8.2 Design tokens
13 min read•august 20, 2024
Design tokens are the building blocks of a design system, defining visual and functional properties of UI elements. They encapsulate design decisions into named entities like colors and typography, ensuring across platforms and products.
As atomic elements, design tokens represent the smallest, indivisible parts of a design system. They serve as reusable variables, making it easier to maintain consistency and implement global changes by modifying token values in a single location.
Definition of design tokens
- Design tokens are the fundamental building blocks of a design system that define the visual and functional properties of user interface elements
- They encapsulate design decisions into a set of named entities, such as colors, typography, spacing, and more, which can be referenced throughout the design and development process
- Design tokens serve as a single source of truth for design attributes, ensuring consistency and across different platforms and products
Atomic elements of design
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- Design tokens represent the smallest, indivisible elements of a design system, such as a specific color value (e.g.,
for red) or a font size (e.g.,#FF0000
)16px - These atomic elements form the foundation of the design system and can be combined to create more complex UI components and layouts
- By breaking down design into its most basic elements, design tokens enable granular control and flexibility in creating and maintaining a cohesive visual language
Reusable variables for consistency
- Design tokens are essentially reusable variables that store design attributes, making it easier to maintain consistency across different parts of a product or multiple products within an organization
- Instead of hardcoding design values in multiple places, designers and developers can reference the same , ensuring that any updates to the token are automatically propagated throughout the system
- This reduces the risk of inconsistencies and makes it easier to implement global design changes by modifying the token values in a single location
Benefits of using design tokens
- Design tokens offer several key benefits that streamline the design and development process, improve collaboration, and enhance the overall quality and consistency of digital products
- By adopting design tokens, teams can create a more efficient and scalable workflow that adapts to the ever-changing needs of modern digital product development
Improved design consistency
- One of the primary benefits of using design tokens is the increased consistency in design across different pages, features, and products
- By centralizing design attributes into a set of tokens, designers can ensure that the same colors, typography, spacing, and other properties are used consistently throughout the user interface
- This consistency creates a more cohesive and professional look and feel, enhancing the user experience and strengthening brand recognition
Faster design iterations
- Design tokens enable designers to make global changes to the design system quickly and efficiently
- Instead of manually updating individual instances of a design element, designers can modify the corresponding token value, and the changes will automatically propagate across all instances where the token is used
- This streamlined process allows for faster design iterations, enabling teams to experiment with different design options and respond to feedback more rapidly
Easier collaboration between teams
- Design tokens facilitate better collaboration between design and development teams by providing a common language and a single source of truth for design attributes
- Designers can define the tokens and their values, which can then be easily shared with developers who implement them in the codebase
- This collaboration reduces the risk of misinterpretation or discrepancies between the design vision and the final developed product, leading to a more efficient and accurate implementation process
Simplified design system maintenance
- Maintaining a design system can be a complex and time-consuming task, especially as the system grows and evolves over time
- Design tokens simplify the maintenance process by providing a centralized and structured approach to managing design attributes
- When design changes are required, updating the relevant tokens ensures that the changes are consistently applied across the entire system, reducing the effort needed to keep the design system up to date and in sync with the latest design decisions
Types of design tokens
- Design tokens can represent various aspects of a design system, covering both visual and functional properties
- The most common types of design tokens include color, typography, spacing, sizing, elevation, opacity, and
- Each type of token plays a specific role in defining the look and feel of a user interface and ensuring consistency across different components and layouts
Color tokens
- Color tokens define the color palette used in a design system, including primary, secondary, and accent colors, as well as shades and tints of each color
- They are typically named based on their purpose or function, such as
,primary-color
, orsecondary-color
, rather than their specific hex or RGB valuessuccess-color - Color tokens ensure consistent use of colors throughout the user interface, making it easier to maintain a cohesive visual identity and adhere to accessibility guidelines
Typography tokens
- define the fonts, font sizes, line heights, and other typographic properties used in a design system
- They include tokens for font families (e.g.,
,font-family-primary
), font sizes (e.g.,font-family-secondary
,font-size-base
), and line heights (e.g.,font-size-large
,line-height-base
)line-height-compact - Typography tokens help maintain consistent and readable text styles across different components and pages, ensuring a cohesive typographic hierarchy throughout the user interface
Spacing tokens
- Spacing tokens define the whitespace and gaps between elements in a design system, such as margins, paddings, and gutters
- They are typically named based on their size or purpose, such as
,spacing-small
, orspacing-mediumspacing-large - Consistent use of spacing tokens creates a balanced and visually pleasing layout, improving the overall readability and usability of the user interface
Sizing tokens
- define the dimensions of various UI elements, such as button widths, input field heights, and icon sizes
- They are named based on their purpose or relative size, such as
,size-button-small
, orsize-input-mediumsize-icon-large - Consistent sizing tokens ensure that UI elements have a coherent and proportional appearance, enhancing the overall visual harmony of the design
Elevation tokens
- define the depth and shadow properties of UI elements, such as cards, modals, and popups
- They are typically named based on their relative elevation level, such as
,elevation-low
, orelevation-mediumelevation-high - Consistent use of elevation tokens creates a sense of hierarchy and depth in the user interface, helping users understand the relationships between different elements
Opacity tokens
- define the transparency levels of UI elements, such as overlays, disabled states, and hover effects
- They are typically represented as percentage values or decimal equivalents, such as
(10% opacity) oropacity-10
(50% opacity)opacity-0.5 - Consistent use of opacity tokens ensures that UI elements have a consistent and predictable level of transparency, enhancing the overall visual coherence of the design
Breakpoint tokens
- Breakpoint tokens define the responsive breakpoints used in a design system, determining when the layout should adapt to different screen sizes
- They are typically named based on the device or screen size they target, such as
,breakpoint-mobile
, orbreakpoint-tabletbreakpoint-desktop - Consistent use of breakpoint tokens ensures that the user interface remains responsive and optimized for different devices and screen sizes, providing a seamless user experience across various platforms
Creating design tokens
- The process of creating design tokens involves several key steps, including identifying key design elements, defining naming conventions, establishing token hierarchies, and generating token files for different platforms
- By following a structured approach to token creation, designers and developers can ensure that the resulting token system is comprehensive, consistent, and easy to maintain
Identifying key design elements
- The first step in creating design tokens is to identify the key design elements that will be represented as tokens
- This involves conducting a thorough audit of the existing design system, analyzing the most commonly used colors, typography styles, spacing values, and other design attributes
- Designers should collaborate with stakeholders and development teams to ensure that the identified elements align with the project's requirements and technical constraints
Defining token naming conventions
- Establishing clear and consistent naming conventions for design tokens is crucial for maintaining a well-organized and understandable token system
- Token names should be descriptive, meaningful, and reflective of their purpose or function within the design system
- Common naming conventions include using a prefix to indicate the token type (e.g.,
,color-
,font-
), followed by a descriptive name (e.g.,spacing-
,primary
,base
)large - Consistent naming conventions make it easier for designers and developers to locate and use the appropriate tokens in their work
Establishing token hierarchies
- Design tokens often have inherent hierarchies or relationships that reflect the structure and organization of the design system
- Establishing token hierarchies involves defining the relationships between different token types and their variations
- For example, color tokens may have a hierarchy that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, while typography tokens may have a hierarchy based on font size (e.g.,
,font-size-base
,font-size-large
)font-size-xlarge - Clear token hierarchies help maintain consistency and make it easier to understand and navigate the token system
Generating token files for platforms
- Once the design tokens have been defined and organized, the next step is to generate token files that can be consumed by different platforms and tools
- Token files are typically generated in formats such as JSON, YAML, or SASS variables, depending on the requirements of the target platforms and the preferences of the development team
- Automated tools and scripts can be used to generate token files from design tools or spreadsheets, ensuring that the token values are accurately and consistently transferred to the development environment
- Generating token files for multiple platforms (e.g., web, iOS, Android) ensures that the design system can be seamlessly integrated into different codebases and toolchains
Managing design tokens
- Effective management of design tokens is essential for maintaining a consistent and scalable design system over time
- Key aspects of include centralized storage, version control, updating and maintaining tokens, and documenting token usage guidelines
- By implementing robust management practices, teams can ensure that design tokens remain accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible to all stakeholders
Centralized token storage
- Storing design tokens in a centralized location, such as a version control repository or a design system management platform, ensures that all team members have access to the latest token definitions
- Centralized storage helps avoid discrepancies and inconsistencies that can arise when tokens are scattered across multiple files or locations
- It also makes it easier to track changes and updates to the token system over time, as all modifications are consolidated in a single source of truth
Version control for tokens
- Applying version control practices to design tokens helps manage the evolution of the token system and enables teams to track and revert changes as needed
- Version control systems like Git allow designers and developers to collaborate on token definitions, review and approve changes, and maintain a clear history of token modifications
- Versioning tokens also facilitates the creation of stable release versions of the design system, making it easier to manage dependencies and ensure compatibility across different projects and platforms
Updating and maintaining tokens
- As the design system evolves and new requirements emerge, it's essential to have a clear process for updating and maintaining design tokens
- This process should involve regular reviews of the token system to identify outdated or redundant tokens, as well as opportunities for optimization and consolidation
- When updating tokens, it's important to consider the impact on existing designs and codebases, and to communicate changes clearly to all stakeholders
- Automated tools and processes can help streamline token updates and ensure that changes are consistently propagated across all relevant files and platforms
Documenting token usage guidelines
- Clearly documenting token usage guidelines is crucial for ensuring that designers and developers use tokens consistently and effectively
- Documentation should cover topics such as , hierarchy structures, recommended usage patterns, and any platform-specific considerations
- Example code snippets and visual illustrations can help clarify token usage and make it easier for team members to understand and apply the guidelines in their work
- Regularly updating and maintaining token documentation helps keep it accurate and relevant as the design system evolves over time
Integrating design tokens
- Integrating design tokens into various tools and platforms is crucial for realizing their full potential and ensuring a seamless workflow between design and development
- Design tokens can be integrated into design tools, front-end development frameworks, cross-platform development solutions, and design handoff processes
- Effective token integration streamlines the design and development process, reduces manual effort, and ensures consistency across different tools and platforms
Tokens in design tools
- Integrating design tokens into popular design tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD allows designers to work with a centralized set of design attributes
- Design tool plugins and extensions can sync token definitions from external sources, such as JSON files or design token management platforms
- By using tokens in their designs, designers can ensure consistency, reduce manual effort, and streamline the design iteration process
- Changes to token definitions can be automatically propagated to all relevant design files, keeping the designs up-to-date with the latest token values
Tokens in front-end development
- Integrating design tokens into front-end development frameworks and libraries, such as React, Vue, or Angular, allows developers to use token values directly in their code
- Token definitions can be imported as variables or constants, making it easy to reference them in stylesheets, component properties, or theme configurations
- By using tokens in the codebase, developers can ensure that the implemented designs accurately reflect the intended design system, reducing discrepancies and inconsistencies
- Changes to token definitions can be propagated to the codebase through automated build processes, ensuring that the application always uses the latest token values
Tokens in cross-platform development
- Design tokens can be leveraged in cross-platform development solutions, such as React Native or Flutter, to ensure consistent design across different platforms (e.g., iOS, Android, web)
- Token definitions can be shared across platform-specific codebases, allowing developers to use the same set of design attributes in their native components and styles
- By using tokens in cross-platform development, teams can reduce duplication of effort, maintain consistency, and streamline the development process across multiple platforms
- Updates to token definitions can be synchronized across all platform-specific codebases, ensuring that the application maintains a cohesive look and feel
Tokens in design handoff processes
- Integrating design tokens into design handoff processes, such as style guides, design specifications, or design-to-development collaboration tools (e.g., Zeplin, InVision DSM), helps bridge the gap between design and development
- Token definitions can be automatically exported from design files and included in the design handoff documentation, providing developers with clear and accurate information about the design attributes
- By incorporating tokens in the design handoff process, teams can reduce the risk of misinterpretation, improve communication between designers and developers, and ensure that the final product accurately reflects the intended design
- Changes to token definitions can be easily communicated and updated in the design handoff documentation, keeping all stakeholders informed and aligned throughout the development process
Design tokens vs traditional variables
- Design tokens and traditional variables both serve the purpose of storing and referencing reusable values in design and development, but they differ in their scope, structure, and management
- Understanding the advantages and limitations of design tokens compared to traditional variables helps teams make informed decisions about which approach to use in their projects
Advantages of design tokens
- Design tokens offer several advantages over traditional variables, making them a more powerful and flexible tool for managing design systems:
- Centralized management: Design tokens are typically managed in a centralized location, such as a version-controlled repository or a design system management platform, making it easier to maintain consistency and propagate changes across multiple projects and platforms
- Hierarchical structure: Design tokens often have a hierarchical structure that reflects the organization and relationships of the design system, making it easier to understand and navigate the token definitions
- Cross-platform compatibility: Design tokens can be easily translated into different formats and consumed by various platforms and tools, ensuring consistent design across web, mobile, and other applications
- Enhanced collaboration: Design tokens facilitate collaboration between designers and developers by providing a common language and a single source of truth for design attributes, reducing misinterpretation and improving communication
- and maintainability: Design tokens make it easier to scale and maintain large design systems by providing a structured and organized approach to managing design attributes, reducing duplication and inconsistency
Limitations of traditional variables
- Traditional variables, such as SASS variables or CSS custom properties, have some limitations compared to design tokens:
- Limited scope: Traditional variables are often scoped to a specific file, component, or project, making it harder to maintain consistency and share values across different parts of the design system
- Lack of structure: Traditional variables typically lack the hierarchical structure and organization that design tokens provide, making it more challenging to understand and navigate the variable definitions
- Platform dependence: Traditional variables are often tied to specific languages, frameworks, or platforms, making it harder to share and reuse them across different projects and technologies
- Manual synchronization: Keeping traditional variables in sync across different files, projects, and platforms often requires manual effort, increasing the risk of inconsistency and making it harder to propagate changes
- Limited collaboration: Traditional variables do not inherently facilitate collaboration between designers and developers, as they lack the common language and centralized management that design tokens provide
Best practices for design tokens
- Adopting best practices for design tokens helps ensure that the token system remains consistent, maintainable, and effective over time
- Key best practices include keeping token sets minimal, ensuring naming clarity, maintaining consistency, and regularly reviewing and updating tokens
- By following these guidelines, teams can create a robust and scalable token system that supports the long-term success of their design system
Keeping token sets minimal
- One of the key best practices for design tokens is to keep the token sets as minimal and focused as possible
- This means avoiding the creation of redundant or overly specific tokens that may not be widely used or may introduce unnecessary complexity
- Instead, teams should focus on identifying the essential design attributes that form the core of the design system and create tokens that represent those attributes in a clear and reusable way
- A minimal token set is easier to maintain, understand, and use, reducing the cognitive load on designers and developers and promoting consistency across the system
Ensuring token naming clarity
- Clear and descriptive naming is crucial for the usability and maintainability of design tokens
- Token names should be self-explanatory, reflecting the purpose or function of the token within the design system
- Teams should establish and adhere to consistent naming conventions, such as using prefixes to indicate token types (e.g., `color
Key Terms to Review (21)
Atomic Design: Atomic Design is a methodology for creating design systems that breaks down user interfaces into their smallest components, which can then be combined to form more complex structures. This approach is inspired by chemistry, where atoms combine to create molecules, emphasizing the idea that small, reusable elements can lead to a more cohesive and efficient design. It connects directly with design tokens and pattern libraries by providing a structured way to manage and organize design elements for consistency and scalability.
Breakpoint tokens: Breakpoint tokens are design tokens that represent specific points in a responsive design system where layout or style changes occur based on the size of the viewport. They play a crucial role in creating a consistent and cohesive user experience across different devices by defining how elements should adapt and respond to various screen sizes. These tokens help designers and developers communicate effectively about breakpoints and ensure that the design remains functional and visually appealing at each specified size.
Color token: A color token is a specific type of design token that defines a color value used in a digital design system. These tokens allow designers and developers to consistently apply colors across various components and interfaces, ensuring visual coherence and easier maintenance. By utilizing color tokens, teams can quickly update and manage color schemes without having to modify individual components manually.
Consistency: Consistency refers to the practice of ensuring that design elements and interactions behave in a predictable and uniform manner across a product or system. This principle helps users build familiarity and trust with the interface, making it easier for them to navigate, understand interactions, and access information effortlessly.
Css variables: CSS variables, also known as custom properties, are entities defined by CSS authors that contain specific values to be reused throughout a document. These variables are prefixed with two dashes (--) and can be accessed in other styles using the var() function. They promote consistency and efficiency in design systems, particularly when creating design tokens that help manage colors, spacing, typography, and other visual aspects across a project.
Design token: A design token is a standardized representation of design elements that can be used across different platforms and applications, serving as a bridge between design and development. Design tokens encapsulate visual styles, such as colors, typography, spacing, and other UI components into a single source of truth that ensures consistency and scalability throughout a product's lifecycle.
Elevation tokens: Elevation tokens are design tokens that define the elevation levels of UI elements, indicating their position relative to the background. They help create a visual hierarchy by suggesting depth and layering, which enhances usability and aesthetics in design. Elevation tokens typically use shadows and light effects to communicate how elements interact with one another and their surroundings.
Figma Tokens: Figma tokens are a design system feature that allows designers to create a scalable and consistent design language by defining reusable styles such as colors, typography, and spacing. These tokens serve as the foundational building blocks in Figma, enabling teams to maintain visual consistency across different components and screens while simplifying the process of making design updates. By centralizing design decisions, Figma tokens facilitate better collaboration and faster iterations within design teams.
Maintainability: Maintainability refers to the ease with which a system or component can be modified to correct faults, improve performance, or adapt to a changed environment. This concept is crucial for ensuring that design patterns and design tokens can be easily updated or enhanced without extensive rework. High maintainability leads to reduced costs and time when implementing changes, making it an essential aspect of efficient design practices.
Modularity: Modularity refers to the design principle that breaks down a system into smaller, manageable, and interchangeable components or modules. This approach enhances flexibility, maintainability, and scalability, allowing for easier updates and reuse of parts across different projects or applications.
Opacity tokens: Opacity tokens are design tokens that define the transparency levels used in design systems, allowing designers and developers to maintain consistency in the visual aspects of a product. They are essential for creating a cohesive user experience by standardizing how elements appear in terms of their visibility and interaction with background colors or images. Opacity tokens can be used to adjust the see-through nature of UI components and enhance readability, focus, and accessibility.
Reusability: Reusability refers to the practice of using existing components or patterns in new applications or designs to save time, reduce costs, and maintain consistency. This concept is essential in design and software development as it promotes efficiency and minimizes redundancy, allowing designers and developers to focus on creating unique features rather than starting from scratch.
Sass Maps: Sass maps are a powerful feature in Sass that allows developers to store and manage related data in a structured way, similar to an object in JavaScript. They provide a way to group key-value pairs, which can be particularly useful for organizing design tokens like colors, spacing, and typography. By using Sass maps, designers and developers can easily maintain consistency across their stylesheets while also streamlining the process of updating and modifying design elements.
Scalability: Scalability refers to the capacity of a system, product, or process to handle a growing amount of work or its potential to be enlarged to accommodate that growth. In design and software development, scalability emphasizes the importance of creating solutions that remain effective as demands increase, whether through additional features or increased user loads. It impacts how designs adapt over time, ensuring consistency and efficiency even as complexity grows.
Semantic token: A semantic token is a specific type of design token that represents the meaning or usage of a design element, focusing on how it should be applied in various contexts rather than just its visual appearance. This concept is vital in ensuring consistency and clarity in design systems by providing clear guidelines about how different elements should behave and interact within a user interface.
Sizing tokens: Sizing tokens are specific design tokens that represent values related to size, such as width, height, padding, and margins within a design system. They help create a consistent layout and spacing across digital products by standardizing how sizes are defined and applied, which ultimately leads to a more coherent user experience.
Spacing token: A spacing token is a design system element that defines consistent spacing values used throughout a digital product. These tokens help maintain uniformity in layout and design by establishing a standard unit for margins, paddings, and gaps, which can be applied across various components. By using spacing tokens, designers and developers ensure that visual hierarchies are clear and user interfaces are aesthetically pleasing.
Style Dictionary: A style dictionary is a centralized repository that stores design tokens, which are a set of variables used to maintain consistency in design across different platforms and devices. By defining elements such as colors, typography, spacing, and more as tokens, designers and developers can ensure a cohesive visual identity while streamlining updates and changes throughout a project. This concept not only enhances collaboration but also improves efficiency by reducing redundancy in design specifications.
Token management: Token management refers to the systematic process of creating, maintaining, and utilizing design tokens within a design system. Design tokens are a way to store design decisions such as colors, spacing, typography, and other visual attributes in a centralized and consistent manner. This helps teams ensure that their digital products remain cohesive, scalable, and easy to update across different platforms and devices.
Token naming conventions: Token naming conventions refer to the standardized practices used to create clear, descriptive, and consistent names for design tokens in a design system. These conventions help maintain uniformity across a product's UI elements, making it easier for designers and developers to communicate and collaborate. By following specific patterns for naming, teams can enhance the understanding and usage of tokens, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when referring to design variables.
Typography tokens: Typography tokens are specific design variables that define the visual characteristics of text within a design system, such as font size, weight, line height, and letter spacing. These tokens serve as a standardized way to maintain consistency in typography across different platforms and applications, ensuring that designers and developers use the same parameters to create cohesive user experiences.