Version Support Policy

Version support policy defines which design system versions receive ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, and security updates. Clear policies set expectations for consumers about version lifecycle and help them plan upgrade timelines. Well-communicated policies balance consumer stability needs with design system team capacity.

What Is Version Support Policy

A version support policy documents the commitment to maintain different design system versions over time. It specifies which versions are actively developed, which receive only critical fixes, and which are no longer supported. This policy helps consumers make informed decisions about when to upgrade.

Support policies vary from simple (only the latest version is supported) to complex (multiple major versions receive tiered support). The right approach depends on consumer needs, team capacity, and organizational context. Enterprise-focused design systems typically require longer support windows than those serving rapidly-iterating startups.

How Version Support Policy Works

Version support policies define support tiers, assign versions to tiers, and communicate changes. Policies should be documented publicly and updated as versions transition between tiers.

Support tiers categorize maintenance levels. Active development means new features and all fixes. Maintenance mode means bug and security fixes only. Security-only means critical security patches only. End of life means no further updates. Clear tier definitions help consumers understand what to expect.

Version assignment places each release into a support tier. The latest major version typically receives active development. Previous major versions may be in maintenance mode. Older versions approach end of life. Assignment follows documented rules about support duration.

Transitions move versions between tiers on predictable schedules. When a new major version releases, the previous major version might move from active development to maintenance mode. Communicating transitions in advance helps consumers prepare for reduced support.

Key Considerations

• Document support policy publicly and prominently
• Define clear criteria for each support tier
• Establish predictable timelines for tier transitions
• Communicate transitions well in advance
• Consider consumer upgrade capacity when setting timelines

Common Questions

How long should design systems support previous major versions?

Support duration depends on consumer characteristics and team capacity. Enterprise consumers with long change cycles need longer support windows than agile teams that upgrade frequently.

Common patterns include supporting the current and one previous major version, supporting versions for a specific time period (such as 18 months from release), or maintaining an explicit long-term support track. The choice should reflect actual consumer needs rather than arbitrary preferences.

Gathering data about consumer version distribution reveals upgrade patterns. If most consumers upgrade within six months, longer support windows may be unnecessary. If significant consumers remain on older versions, understanding why informs appropriate support duration.

What constitutes a security fix versus a bug fix?

Security fixes address vulnerabilities that could be exploited to harm users or systems. They receive priority treatment in most support policies, often being the only fixes applied to security-only tier versions.

Bug fixes address incorrect behavior that does not pose security risks. They are included in active development and maintenance mode tiers but typically not in security-only tiers. The distinction helps teams prioritize limited maintenance capacity.

Gray areas exist where bugs have security implications. A bug causing unexpected data exposure might be classified as security even if not intentionally exploitable. Erring toward broader security classification ensures important fixes reach older versions.

Summary

Version support policy documents maintenance commitments for different design system versions. Clear tier definitions and predictable transition timelines help consumers plan upgrades. Support duration should reflect consumer needs and team capacity.