Consistency in design — part 2

As discussed in the previous post on the Types of Consistency, creating a seamless and intuitive experience means keeping things visually 🎨, functionally 🖱️, and internally 🔄 aligned. So now, let’s talk about how to achieve it!

It’s all about building intentional systems 💼. From unified design systems to solid component libraries, these tools make sure that every part of the design speaks the same language, no matter who’s working on it 👥. With clear patterns and guidelines 📖, we make sure the design feels familiar, trustworthy, and easy to navigate for users.

How to achieve it!

Design Systems

Definition: A design system is a set of standards, components, and guidelines that help maintain consistency in design across different projects and teams. It provides a single source of truth that designers and developers can refer to.

How to apply: In Figma, you can create a design system by setting up reusable elements like color palettes, typography scales, icons, and grid layouts. This system can then be shared and used across different projects, ensuring a cohesive user experience.

Resource Link

Component Libraries

Definition: Component libraries are collections of reusable UI elements, such as buttons, input fields, cards, etc. These components can be easily used and updated across multiple projects, ensuring that design changes are applied consistently everywhere.

How to apply: In Figma, use the “Create Component” feature to make any element reusable. Once a component is created, you can duplicate it across different screens or projects.

Resource Link

Documentation

Definition: Documentation of patterns and guidelines provides detailed instructions on how to use design elements consistently across a product. This documentation covers rules for typography, color usage, spacing, and iconography.

How to apply: Create a design documentation file in Figma (or a separate document) that includes visual examples and explanations for each element — colors, fonts, buttons, icons, spacing, etc.

Resource Link

Real-World Example

Airbnb: Airbnb’s design system, known as “Design Language System (DLS),” maintains consistency across their entire ecosystem. From the search bar to the booking interface, every element feels part of a cohesive whole, ensuring users never feel lost.

Resource Link

That’s it!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you found these insights helpful and informative. Feel free to reach out to me at my mail. I’d be happy to connect!