Design System
In today’s day and age, building a design system is a must-have skill for any UX designer. So why not build one together?
- Updated on August 14, 2022
Together with the Designer’s Toolbox community, I’m building a design system called The Ultimate Community-build Design System.
In this post, we will take a closer look what a design system is, how building a design system together would work, and all components involved in the design system.
Table of Contents
How to build a design system together
Building a design system together is what design systems are all about. In theory, you would recruit a core team that is responsible for the design system. That team would consist of the following roles.
- Designer
- Developer
- Business stakeholder
In the case of the Ultimate Community-built Design System, we’re all in this together. Anyone that downloads our design system can work on it. In fact, we already have a few designers working on new components.
Here’s the thing. Once our design system grows, the price for new joiners will increase. But once you’re in, you will get free updates forever. Whenever we add new components, you get those as well.
At this moment, downloading the design system is free. So make sure you get your copy now!
At some point, the design system will move to a €4 price point. It depends on the number of design system components involved.
Getting started
Design system components
Let’s take a look at the components you would normally find in a design system. I’ll also include whether or not it is already part of our design system.
When to Use Radio Buttons and Checkboxes in UX
Radio buttons and checkboxes are common UI elements that we use a lot. As a result, there are a lot of UX guidelines on how and when to use these elements. In this post, I will take a closer look at when to use radio buttons and checkboxes in UX.
Radio buttons are in our design system
Check boxes are not in our design system
When To Use a Toggle Switch in UX and UI
One of the most commonly used elements in UI and UX design is the toggle switch component. There are a number of cases where the toggle switch is the element of your choice. Yet, in some cases you’re better off using something else.
Toggle switches are not in our design system
When to use tooltips in UX?
Tooltips are an important component used in any design system. They help users understand your design better. But when to use tooltips in UI and UX design? Let’s work that out together.
Tooltips are not in our design system
Should I Use Pagination or Infinite Scroll in UX?
When you’re working with big lists, a number of issues could arise. These issues can range from performance issues to usability issues. As a UX designer, it is important to consider solutions to lists that are getting too long.
Both pagination and infinite scroll are an option here. Choose wisely!
Pagination is not in our design system
Infinite scroll is not in our design system
Design system best practices
Once the list of components grow, you will be able to use the design system in practice. Here’s a list of design system best practices to help you get started.
How to use shadows in UI design?
Shadows are used in UI design every day. Popular variations and names include box-shadow, drop shadow, and many more. But how can you use shadows effectively when designing using a design system?
That’s what this post is about. Welcome to the complete guide to mastering shadows in UI design.
How to use grids in UI design
Making good use of grids can make all the difference between good and great design systems.
That being said, using grids can be hard. Here’s everything you need to know on how to use layout grids in design systems.
Daily UI: Get a free challenge and feedback
Doing a Daily UI Challenge is a great way to learn and improve as a UI designer.
Challenge your design system skills by doing a free design challenge. Use our Daily UI generator to get your challenge. Did you finish your design? Get feedback by joining our Slack community!
Do you have feedback on this article? Missing something? Or just a question? Reach out to me and I’ll get back to you!
About the author
Hi! I'm Nick Groeneveld, a senior designer from the Netherlands with experience in UX, visual design, and research. I'm a UX coach that supports other designers and have completed design projects in finance, tech, and the public sector.
Through The Designer's Toolbox, I'm an Educational Partner for Interaction Design Foundation.
☎️ Book a 1:1 mentor meeting with me or let's connect on LinkedIn, Twitter and Medium.
