A design system is a set of components, guided by criteria, which can be created to build a lot of applications. It guarantees consistency and efficiency in design and development processes. For ecommerce and digital platforms, a design system is crucial for unified user experiences across different devices and touchpoints.

What is a Design System?

A design system includes a component library, design guidelines, and documentation. The component library has UI elements like buttons, forms, and navigation menus that are used repeatedly across the platform. Design guidelines provide standards for color schemes, typography, spacing, and other visual elements.

Documentation offers instructions on how to implement these components. This guidance helps with implementation. For example, an ecommerce site uses it to ensure that it looks and feels the same across various pages such as product pages, checkout process, and customer service portal.

When can the Design System be used?

The purpose of a design system is to promote consistency. In ecommerce, where brand identity is major, maintaining a consistent visual across all channels is essential. A design system guarantees that every element, from product images to checkout buttons, adheres to the same rules. This consistency not only reinforces brand identity but also enhances the user experience and makes the site easier to use by providing a predictable and intuitive interface.

Design systems help big teams that are working on complex projects. They provide a single reference that designers and developers can refer to, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and reducing duplication. For instance, a digital platform like a CMS uses a design system to standardize its user interface, making it easier for developers to create new features and for users to navigate the system.

What are the advantages of using a design system?

As digital platforms grow, they need to add new features to expand their functionality and this scalability is another significant advantage of design systems. They provide a framework that can scale with the platform, allowing for the seamless integration of new components. For example, an online store that started with a basic product catalog can later expand to include user reviews, wish lists, and personalized recommendations keeping visual and functional consistency.

Efficiency is another benefit of using a design system. By providing components and clear guidelines, a design system speeds up the design and development process. This is crucial for ecommerce, where speed is the key to staying competitive. For example, a design system can simplify launching a holiday campaign by ensuring its elements match the brand's look and guaranteeing the teams don’t have to reinvent the wheel for it, which saves time and resources.

Collaboration between designers, writers, and developers is something that can be improved by a design system. A shared language and tools promote better communication and coordination. This collaboration is essential for creating a seamless user experience. For example, in a digital platform like a social media network, designers can use the design system to create mockups and prototypes, while developers can use the same system to implement these designs accurately.

Design systems also promote accessibility. By standardizing components and guidelines, they ensure that all elements meet accessibility standards and are easy to use for everyone. This is crucial for ecommerce platforms, where accessibility affects customer satisfaction and retention. For example, a design system can ensure that all buttons and forms are accessible to users with disabilities.

One of the most significant examples of a design system is Google’s Material Design. It provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and components that developers can use to create visually appealing and consistent applications. It's widely adopted, highlighting the value of a well-constructed design system.

Design systems are an indispensable tool for ecommerce and digital platforms. They promote consistency, scalability, efficiency, collaboration, and accessibility, ensuring that platforms will deliver a cohesive and intuitive user experience. From a small online store or a large platform, a solid design system can be the key to achieving a seamless and great user experience.

At deco, for example, we have the Design System Builder where you can start with existing components, styles, and templates, and adjust colors, button styles, and typography to create a unique branded look. Interested in learning more? Try it for free!