Installation Documentation

Installation documentation explains how to add design system packages to projects, covering package managers, configuration steps, and environment requirements. Clear installation documentation reduces setup friction that can deter adoption. This documentation must account for varying development environments and project configurations.

What Is Installation Documentation

Installation documentation guides users through adding design system dependencies to their projects. This includes package manager commands, required peer dependencies, configuration file changes, and verification steps. The documentation bridges between project creation and actual design system usage.

Installation complexity varies by design system architecture. Simple systems may require only a single package install. Complex systems with multiple packages, peer dependencies, build tool plugins, or framework integrations require more extensive documentation.

How Installation Documentation Works

Effective installation documentation addresses common scenarios while acknowledging variations. Core installation steps should work for typical projects. Variations for different package managers, framework versions, or build tools appear as alternatives or separate sections. Troubleshooting addresses common installation problems.

Package manager commands for npm, yarn, and pnpm provide copy-ready installation commands. Peer dependency documentation explains what additional packages users must install and why. Version compatibility notes specify which design system versions work with which framework versions.

Configuration documentation covers necessary changes to project configuration files. This might include CSS imports, TypeScript configuration, build tool plugins, or provider components. Each configuration step includes explanation of what it does, not just what to type.

Key Considerations

• Commands should be copy-ready with accurate package names and version specifiers
• Peer dependencies need clear documentation with version requirements
• Multiple package manager options acknowledge diverse project setups
• Verification steps confirm successful installation before proceeding

Common Questions

How do teams document installation for monorepo or workspace setups?

Monorepo installations may differ from single-package project installations. Documentation should address root versus package installation, workspace-aware package manager commands, and shared dependency considerations. Some design systems provide specific monorepo guidance. Others note that standard installation applies with workspace package manager syntax variations. Acknowledging monorepo users exist, even without comprehensive guidance, helps users know documentation addresses their situation.

What installation troubleshooting should documentation include?

Common installation problems should appear in troubleshooting sections. Peer dependency conflicts, version mismatches, and missing configuration frequently cause issues. Module resolution errors from incorrect imports need documentation. Build errors from missing plugins or configuration appear often. Environment-specific issues like corporate proxy settings or private registry configuration help enterprise users. Troubleshooting should be findable both from installation pages and through search.

Summary

Installation documentation provides step-by-step guidance for adding design systems to projects. Effective documentation covers package installation, peer dependencies, and necessary configuration with copy-ready commands. Troubleshooting sections address common problems that block successful installation.