Design
by Abhijeet Kawankar
Nov 8, 2021
3-4 mins read
There is much noise in the word – Design Language System. You might have heard this term now and then. A simple question might be pondering over and over – What is it? Does your organization need it? How to build an effective DLS? What are its alternatives?
Design Language System is a collection of reusable components assembled and guided by clear standards to build several applications. Strictly speaking, it’s not just a collection of components and assets. They are pattern libraries, a big box of UI Lego pieces that can be assembled in infinite ways.
Pattern libraries, rules, and UX guidelines eliminate inconsistencies when shipping products in large amounts. Whenever you create a product, it’s a pile of reusable UI elements with meaning and structure. With the help of a DLS, designed components are more transparent and easier to search for.
This guide, you’ll learn the following:
Why Does Your Brand Need a Design Language System?
How to Build an Effective DLS?
Growth of Organizations with the Help of Design Language System
Alternatives of Design Language System
What Do Big Brands Have to Say about DLS?
Design Language System Evolution – What’s in the Future?
Design Language Systems improve the design and development of workflow. An effective DLS decides how much of a system you need when you need to start building the design system and what components to include in it.
To quickly iterate confidently, brands’ design teams need to access a single source of truth, allowing them to scale UI language and streamline UX guidelines. Moreover, to obtain a consistent user experience, leveraging a central design language with brand touchpoints reaching numerous platforms and channels is necessary.
Building a deliberate design system is becoming more apparent due to the rise in the number of devices, tech environments, and browsers. And not just building a design system is the target; creating a logical and well-structured UI is the need to extend the aspect of every product to a wider audience. With that, the output of the organization increases its value. Know the importance of responsive web design!
Building a DLS involves careful planning and execution.
Building Blocks for DLS
To create a successful DLS, establish key elements: standardize tools for collaboration, set up a structured folder system for easy resource access, maintain documentation for future reference, and develop a style guide with the help of UI audits, naming conventions, and a grid system for an overall consistent design.
Check out how UI psychology influences design!
Documenting the Process
It is crucial to document all processes and decisions related to the DLS to ensure easy reference and continuity, especially when onboarding new team members.
DLS Checklist
Here’s a comprehensive checklist for building a Design Language System:
Addressed to the entire digital ecosystem
Standardize tools used in the project
Establish a naming convention
Create a folder system for organization
Thorough documentation of all processes
Develop a style guide with a UI audit
Maintain a pattern library for reusable components
Create a toolbox of design tools
Set a grid system for design consistency
Establish typography and text styles.
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