If you’re new to design systems, read my introductory post, where I explain the steps to complete your Design System.

When you don’t have a fully-fledged design system yet, you can create a robust, automated table in Airtable with the list of design components with status for platforms you serve.

Why Airtable?

• It’s a spreadsheet-database hybrid. It provides a powerful API and built-in support for several popular apps.
• You can add triggers when a record is updated or created or when a record matches conditions.

Connecting Slack with component status

Connect your Slack account and get a message on your channel for any component updates. You can also mention a responsible Design manager/designer. 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

Other useful ideas for automation:

• Create issues in Jira based on updates/changes in Airtable.
• Connect Github repository -> when a record matches conditions -> create or update issue in Github. It works the other way around too. You can create an issue in Github and collect records in Airtable (useful for bugs/QA testing, etc.)
• Send automated emails when approaching the deadline.

⭐️ TABLE TEMPLATE for Component List and Status

• Component name
• Design (+ link to Figma)
• Web
• iOS
• Android
• Assignee

🎯 Automation

• Slack message for any change/update with tagging responsible person
• Email for crossing the deadline.

You can use the same tricks for the Design Tokens list.

⭐️ TABLE TEMPLATE for Design Tokens

• Token Name
• Token Status
• Token Theme (if applicable)
• Type
• Category (color, space, font, duration, …)

🌈 If you want the Design Component Airtable template, click here.

Treat your design system as a product. It’s a marathon, not a sprint 🌈

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I am a Design Strategist who holds a Master of Business Administration. I have 15+ years of career experience in design work and consulting across tech startups and several marquee tech unicorns such as Stellar.org, Outfit7, Databox, Xamarin, Chipolo, NIVEA, Zemanta, etc. I currently advise, coach, and consult with companies on design strategy and design systems. I received numerous awards for my designs, but I’m much happier when I prove that the right design decisions increase your ROI. 🔥

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Pro tips: How to create your design system

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