Design System Values

Design system values articulate what the system and its team prioritize and believe. Establishing clear design system values creates shared understanding that guides behavior and decisions across the organization.

What Are Design System Values

Design system values are the core beliefs about what matters most in how the system operates and serves its purpose. Values might address priorities like accessibility, consistency, or developer experience. They might also address ways of working like collaboration, transparency, or quality.

Values differ from principles by being more fundamental. Principles guide design decisions; values express what the system and team care about deeply. Values inform principles, which in turn inform specific decisions.

How Design System Values Work

Value identification surfaces what the team genuinely cares about. Identification involves reflection on past decisions, discussion of priorities, and honest assessment of what actually drives behavior. Values should describe reality as it should be aspired to, not fantasy disconnected from practice.

Value articulation states values clearly and memorably. Each value should be expressible in a few words with brief elaboration. Values should be distinctive enough to differentiate this system from generic alternatives.

Value communication shares values with stakeholders. Team members should know and internalize values. Consumers should understand what the system prioritizes. Communication makes values part of shared vocabulary.

Value embodiment demonstrates values through action. Values must be visible in how the team operates and what the system produces. Values not reflected in behavior become empty claims.

Key Considerations

• Values should be authentic, not aspirational fantasy
• Values should address genuine priorities and tensions
• Values require visible embodiment to be meaningful
• Communication should be ongoing
• Value evolution should occur as understanding matures

Common Questions

How many values should a design system have?

Most design systems succeed with three to five core values. More values become difficult to remember and prioritize. Fewer values may not capture what genuinely matters. The right number balances comprehensiveness with focus.

How do values differ from mission and vision?

Values express what matters; mission expresses purpose; vision expresses aspiration. Values address “what we prioritize.” Mission addresses “why we exist.” Vision addresses “what we’re working toward.” Together, they form a coherent strategic framework.

How do organizations ensure values are meaningful?

Values become meaningful through consistent application and visible embodiment. Decisions should reference values. Behavior should reflect values. Recognition should celebrate values alignment. Values that never appear in actual work become decoration.

Summary

Design system values articulate core beliefs about what the system prioritizes. Success requires authentic values, clear communication, and visible embodiment through action. Organizations should establish values that genuinely reflect priorities and demonstrate them through consistent behavior.