Design systems are the backbone of modern digital design — they create consistency, speed up development, and empower teams to deliver better products. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve an existing system, my blog series covers everything you need to know.
Here, I’ve gathered all my design system articles in one place, making it easy for you to explore key concepts, practical tips, and expert insights that will help you build, maintain, and scale your own design system.
Why Design Systems Matter?
A well-crafted design system isn’t just a style guide or a pattern library — it’s a living framework that aligns design, development, and business goals. It ensures your brand stays consistent, accessible, and user-friendly across all channels.
If you’re new to design systems or want to deepen your knowledge, my articles will guide you through the essentials and beyond.
Explore the Series: Key Articles You Should Read
Here’s a curated list of my latest and most popular posts — each packed with practical advice and real-world examples.
1. What is a Design System and Why It Matters?
Get introduced to the concept of design systems, why they matter, and the value they bring to product teams.
2. What Makes a Design System: Exploring Tokens, Components, and Guidelines
Learn about the building blocks of a design system — from design tokens to reusable components and guidelines.
3. How to Start Building a Design System From Scratch
Ready to build your own? Follow this step-by-step guide to kickstart your design system journey with confidence.
4. Design System vs Style Guide vs Pattern Library: What’s the Difference?
Clear up common confusion around design documentation and understand when to use each artifact.
5. Component Libraries: The Heart of Your Design System
Dive into component libraries — the reusable building blocks that keep your system efficient and consistent.
6. How to Maintain a Design System: Processes, Governance, and Collaboration
Keeping a design system healthy takes effort. Discover how governance, processes, and teamwork keep things on track.
7. How to Build Accessibility into Every Layer of Your Design System
Accessibility is non-negotiable. Learn how to weave accessibility into your tokens, components, and design guidelines.
8. Building a Resilient Design System: Lessons from Common Mistakes
This article walks through the most frequent pitfalls I’ve seen (and made myself), and offers simple, practical ways to avoid them.
9. Content in a Design System: Why Words Matter as Much as Components
This article explores why content is essential to every design system — especially in government — and how to build your own content standards into the system you use.
Who is this for?
- New to design systems? Start from the top.
- Building one now? Jump to the how-to posts.
- Maintaining or scaling? Head straight for the governance and resilience articles.
- Content designer or comms lead? Don’t miss the piece on writing and accessibility.
Design systems aren’t just about pretty buttons or reusable code. They’re about collaboration, clarity, and creating better digital experiences — for users and teams alike.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you! I hope this series helps you create something that lasts. If you ever want to chat about your design system or need support building one, reach out. I’d love to hear from you.
Dive into the articles above and bookmark this page for quick access whenever you want to refresh your understanding or solve a specific design system challenge.