Mapping Colors to Design Tokens

Mapping colors to design tokens is essential for building consistent and scalable design systems. Design tokens are the visual design decisions stored as data, which can be used across platforms and devices to maintain consistency in UI design.

2.1 Design Tokens

Design tokens are named entities that store visual design attributes, such as color, spacing, typography, etc. They allow for a more modular and maintainable design approach.

2.2 Color Mapping

Color mapping refers to the process of associating colors with specific design tokens. This allows designers and developers to apply consistent color schemes throughout their applications.

3.1 Define Color Palette

Start by defining a color palette that reflects your brand's identity. This should include primary, secondary, and accent colors.

3.2 Create Design Tokens

Using your defined palette, create design tokens for each color. Below is an example of how to structure your tokens:

{
    "color": {
        "primary": "#007bff",
        "secondary": "#6c757d",
        "accent": "#ff4081",
        "background": "#ffffff",
        "text": "#212529"
    }
}
                

3.3 Integrate Tokens into Design System

Integrate your design tokens into your CSS or styling framework. You can use CSS variables or preprocessors like SASS or LESS:

:root {
    --color-primary: #007bff;
    --color-secondary: #6c757d;
    --color-accent: #ff4081;
    --color-background: #ffffff;
    --color-text: #212529;
}
                

3.4 Use Tokens in Components

Apply the tokens to your design components to ensure consistency:

.button {
    background-color: var(--color-primary);
    color: var(--color-background);
}
                

3.5 Test and Iterate

Test your design tokens in various scenarios and gather feedback for improvements. Iteration is key to a successful design system.

• Keep color names intuitive and consistent to enhance readability.
• Document your color tokens well for future reference by the design team.
• Utilize accessibility tools to ensure color contrast is adequate for all users.
• Regularly update your tokens based on design trends and user feedback.