Documenting Design Tokens
1. Introduction
Design tokens are the visual design atoms of the design system. They store design decisions in a way that can be easily reused across platforms.
2. What are Design Tokens?
Design tokens are named entities that store visual design attributes. They can include colors, typography, spacing, etc.
3. Importance of Documenting Design Tokens
Proper documentation of design tokens is critical for team collaboration, onboarding, and maintaining design consistency. It allows developers and designers to understand and implement designs effectively.
- Enhances communication between design and development teams.
- Facilitates easier updates and changes to design elements.
- Supports scalability and maintainability of design systems.
4. Best Practices for Documenting Design Tokens
- Use Clear Naming Conventions: Use descriptive names for tokens to indicate their purpose.
- Organize Tokens Logically: Group tokens by type (e.g., colors, spacing, typography) for easy navigation.
- Include Examples: Provide usage examples for each token to illustrate its application.
- Utilize Visuals: Incorporate visuals like color swatches or typography samples to enhance understanding.
- Keep Documentation Updated: Regularly update documentation to reflect changes in design tokens.
5. FAQ
What tools can be used for documenting design tokens?
Tools like Storybook, Zeroheight, and Styleguidist can be effective for documenting design tokens.
How often should design tokens be reviewed?
Design tokens should be reviewed regularly, ideally in line with design reviews or during sprint planning sessions.
Can design tokens be used for branding?
Yes, design tokens are essential for maintaining brand consistency across different platforms and products.
Flowchart of Documenting Design Tokens
graph TD;
A[Identify Design Elements] --> B[Define Design Tokens];
B --> C[Document Naming Conventions];
C --> D[Organize Tokens];
D --> E[Add Visual Examples];
E --> F[Publish Documentation];
F --> G[Review and Update Regularly];