Design System: CABI taxi service
What is a Design System?
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A Design System is the single source of truth which groups all the elements that will allow the teams to design, realize and develop a product. So a Design System is not a deliverable, but a set of deliverables. It will evolve constantly with the product, the tools and the new technologies.
The fundamental purpose of a Design System is to facilitate the work of the teams.
1. Purpose and shared values
Before starting anything, it’s essential to align teams around a clear set of shared goals. It will help to build a vision and making sure everyone looks in the same direction.
As for the values, they are like great ideals that will guide our choices, according to the brand objectives.
2. Design Principles
Design principles are the guiding sentences that helps the teams to reach the purpose of the product thanks to the design. They will help the teams to make meaningful Design decisions.
3. Brand Identity and Language
The identity should be defined in line with the strategy and the objectives of the brand.
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Colors
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Fonts
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Spaces
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Shapes
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Icons
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Illustrations
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Photography
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Animations
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Voice and tone
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Sounds
4. Components and Patterns
The components are our LEGO blocs. They’re used in Sketch by designers, and directly in the code by developers. Their functional behaviour must be specified.
As for the patterns, they are the building instructions that will allow us to use these components in a logical and consistent way, across all the products.
5. Best practices
Besides the documentation, that is often directly linked to the System, best practices will accompany teams in a larger and more transversal way.
The idea is to dig into the general best practices and extract only those who make sense, based on the product and the level of maturity of the teams.
Best practices will help the teams to form and develop their technical skills.