Design Token Standards and Conventions

1. Introduction

Design tokens are a way to store design-related variables that help maintain consistent design across applications. This lesson focuses on the standards and conventions that govern the use of design tokens, ensuring they are effective, manageable, and reusable.

2. Key Concepts

• Design Tokens: Variables that store design decisions such as colors, typography, spacing, etc.
• Theming: The practice of applying design tokens to create a consistent visual language across different parts of an application.
• Atomic Design: A methodology that breaks down UI components into a hierarchy, which can be reflected in design tokens.

3. Design Token Structure

Design tokens can be structured in various formats. The most common formats include JSON and YAML. Here’s a simple example of a token structure in JSON:

{
    "color": {
        "primary": "#007bff",
        "secondary": "#6c757d"
    },
    "font": {
        "baseSize": "16px",
        "headingSize": "24px"
    },
    "spacing": {
        "small": "4px",
        "medium": "8px",
        "large": "16px"
    }
}

4. Best Practices

To ensure effective use of design tokens, consider the following best practices:

1. Use descriptive names that clearly convey the purpose of the token.
2. Group tokens logically (e.g., colors, typography) to improve organization.
3. Document tokens thoroughly to assist team members in understanding their use.
4. Implement version control to manage changes in design tokens over time.
5. Utilize tools like Style Dictionary to automate token generation and management.

5. FAQ