How do you grow your design system or framework?

1 Audit your components

The first step to grow your design system or framework is to audit your existing components and identify any gaps, inconsistencies, or redundancies. You can use tools like Storybook or Figma to document and showcase your components in different states and variations. You can also use tools like Lint or Chromatic to check for code quality and visual regression. Auditing your components will help you find opportunities to refactor, optimize, and standardize your design system or framework.

2 Establish a governance model

The second step to grow your design system or framework is to establish a governance model that defines how your design system or framework is created, updated, and used. You can use tools like GitHub or Notion to manage your design system or framework repository, workflow, and documentation. You can also use tools like Slack or Zoom to communicate and collaborate with your stakeholders, contributors, and users. Establishing a governance model will help you ensure the quality, consistency, and alignment of your design system or framework.

3 Collect and analyze feedback

The third step to grow your design system or framework is to collect and analyze feedback from your users, customers, and clients. You can use tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar to measure the performance, usability, and satisfaction of your design system or framework. You can also use tools like SurveyMonkey or UserTesting to gather qualitative feedback and insights from your target audience. Collecting and analyzing feedback will help you understand the needs, pain points, and preferences of your design system or framework users.

4 Implement and test changes

The fourth step to grow your design system or framework is to implement and test changes based on your audit, governance, and feedback. You can use tools like Git or NPM to version and publish your design system or framework updates. You can also use tools like Jest or Cypress to test your design system or framework functionality and accessibility. Implementing and testing changes will help you improve the reliability, efficiency, and usability of your design system or framework.

5 Educate and evangelize

The fifth step to grow your design system or framework is to educate and evangelize your design system or framework to your team, organization, and community. You can use tools like Medium or YouTube to create and share content that showcases the benefits, best practices, and use cases of your design system or framework. You can also use tools like Meetup or Twitter to network and engage with other design system or framework enthusiasts and experts. Educating and evangelizing your design system or framework will help you increase the adoption, awareness, and advocacy of your design system or framework.

6 Iterate and evolve

The sixth and final step to grow your design system or framework is to iterate and evolve your design system or framework as your project grows and changes. You can use tools like Roadmap or Trello to plan and prioritize your design system or framework goals, features, and improvements. You can also use tools like Feedback or Changelog to communicate and celebrate your design system or framework achievements, learnings, and challenges. Iterating and evolving your design system or framework will help you keep your design system or framework relevant, responsive, and resilient.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?