Beyond the Style Guide
A design system is more than a Figma file or a UI kit; it's the shared language that allows designers and developers to build cohesive products at scale. In a world of multi-platform experiences, it is the single source of truth.
Consistency is Key
Users trust products that feel familiar. Whether they are on mobile, web, or a kiosk, the interaction patterns should remain consistent. A design system enforces this by providing pre-built, accessible components.
Velocity and Efficiency
"Don't reinvent the wheel" is the mantra. When developers can pull a <Button /> or <Card /> off the shelf, they stop debating pixel values and focus on business logic. This creates a compound effect on shipping velocity.
Accessibility Built-In
Accessibility (a11y) is hard to retrofit. A robust design system bakes in contrast ratios, focus states, and ARIA labels at the component level, ensuring that every feature built with it is accessible by default.
Governance Matters
A design system is a product in itself. It needs a dedicated team (or at least a rotating maintainer) to manage contributions, update documentation, and ensure it evolves with the brand and technology.