📝 Articles
When “semantic tokens” are no longer semantic.
Nate explores the effectiveness of semantic tokens in design systems, cautioning against both overly generic and overly specific implementations. They advise finding a balance by creating abstractions and identifying common associations across components to ensure semantic tokens have clear intent and scalability across various use cases.
Design System Generations
Nathan discusses the concept of design system generations, highlighting the triggers, scope, and scale of generational changes. He explores both externally and internally driven changes, emphasising the need for clear communication and strategic planning to navigate these significant shifts effectively.
👀 Interesting Reads
The end
Donnie discusses the need for a Global Design System proposed by Brad Frost, highlighting the persistent challenge of creating custom solutions despite existing standards like native HTML elements. He also explores the potential impact of emerging technologies like Large Action Models (LAMs) on user interfaces, suggesting a shift towards non-graphical interfaces and emphasising the importance of rethinking the future of design systems in light of these advancements.
What’s Next for a Global Design System
Brad updates on the positive reception to the Global Design System concept, addressing common concerns and emphasizing the need for alignment and collaboration in overcoming challenges. They discuss the purpose and structure of the system, highlighting discussions with OpenUI and outlining next steps towards its implementation.
🧰 Tools / Resources
Oikaze
Oikaze looks like a neat way to have Design Tokens (either within the tool or using Style Dictionary) with the added benefit of easily defining what results in a CSS custom property and what uses Sass to compile to CSS.
🖤 Design Systems
Cloudscape Design System
The Cloudscape Design System built for Amazon Web Services (AWS). I really like the 'patterns' section which gives examples of often used patterns and on their own pages it breaks down what components are used and where.
PIE Design System
PIE, the Design System for Just Eat Takeaway.com has what you would expect from a company Design System. I like the resource section for each component linking to the available design and development options showing their status of being ready, planned, or in beta.
Volvo Cars Design System
The Design System at Volvo Cars is on a generational change and moving towards and HTML first, CSS first set of components. This is their current Storybook with reasoning, examples, and guidelines.