Foundations of Design Systems

Overview

• Previous video focused on Design System principles (the "why").
• This video focuses on the foundations (the "what") of Design Systems:
  • Building blocks for product experiences
  • Key components: visual styles, colors, typography, components, patterns (structures, behaviors, conventions)

Key Aspects of Design Foundations

Accessibility

• Definition: Type of inclusive design for people with disabilities
• Disabilities can be:
  • Permanent (e.g., blindness)
  • Temporary (e.g., broken arm)
  • Situational (e.g., low visibility)
• Designers' decisions influence accessibility:
  • Lack of access can make individuals feel unimportant or unwelcome
• Importance of accessibility in design systems:
  • Empowers teams to create accessible experiences at scale
  • Consider resources for learning more about accessibility

Color

• Role of Color: Expresses personality, invokes emotions, influences behavior
• Effective color palette considerations:
  • Selection of colors: too many can cause chaos, too few can limit flexibility
  • Importance of adapting colors for themes (e.g., dark mode)
• Create a balanced color palette:
  • Assess colors against system functions (semantic color system)
  • Simplify color usage in designs (e.g., primary button colors)
  • Follow the 60-30-10 rule for color distribution
• Accessibility Considerations:
  • Color contrast is crucial; tools available for measuring
  • Emphasize use of symbols/icons alongside color to convey meaning

Typography

• Importance: Consistency, personality, and readability
• Choosing Typefaces:
  • Collaboration with branding/marketing teams is essential
  • Aim for balance between personality, performance, and legibility
• Type Scales:
  • Collection of font sizes/styles starting from a base size (16px)
  • Use scale factors to create harmonious font sizes
  • Ensure font sizes align with grid systems (e.g., 8-point baseline grid)
  • Hierarchical format for type scales is common (headings, body text)

Elevation

• Purpose: Provides hierarchy and visual feedback
• Techniques: colors, shadows, transparency, overlays
• Best practices:
  • Be mindful of elevation use in mobile design
  • Avoid using true black for shadows; use darker color values instead

Icon Systems

• Definition: Collection of icons that enhance usability and visual identity
• Effective icons should be functional and recognizable
• Testing icons with users to ensure understanding
• Consistency in size and alignment is key
• Develop an icon grid for dimensions, alignment, and padding

Grids and Layouts

• Purpose: Provide structure and rhythm to designs
• Types of Grids:
  • Column, baseline, and modular grids
  • Breakpoints adjust layout based on screen size
• Spacing:
  • Establishes hierarchy and relationships between elements
  • Use a baseline grid for consistent spacing (e.g., 8-point grid)

Patterns

• Definition: Reusable solutions to common problems
• Importance of documenting patterns for common user goals
• Conduct audits to identify patterns in user flows

Conclusion

• The foundations of a design system are interconnected
• Next video will cover documentation of design systems.