Reusable definitions.
WHAT IT IS
A documented set of decisions and components, reused rather than redecided.
WHAT A SMALL ONE CONTAINS
A colour palette with meanings A type scale A spacing scale Common components and their states Rules for when to use each
WHY BOTHER AT A SMALL SCALE
It removes repeated decisions and prevents drift.
WHAT TO START WITH
The values you already use most, formalised.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Design an elaborate system before building anything Document components you do not have
WHAT TO ADD
Components as they are needed, not in advance.
WHAT TO DEFINE FOR EACH COMPONENT
What it is for What it looks like in every state When to use it, and when not
THAT LAST POINT
The most useful part, and the most often omitted.
WHERE TO KEEP IT
Somewhere the people building can actually see.
WHAT TO REVIEW
Whether it matches what is built.
WHAT KILLS A DESIGN SYSTEM
Documentation diverging from reality.
