How should I use a community design system?

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1

Hello,

I would like to know how to effectively use a design system in Figma. I have a few specific questions to make sure I’m following best practices:

File Duplication : Should I start by duplicating the design system file and create my pages within this copy, or is there another recommended method?

Quick Color Modification : In a large design system, what’s the best way to change colors globally and quickly? Are there any tips to avoid having to modify colors element by element?

Publishing the Design System : When is it necessary to publish the design system in Figma? Should I publish after each modification or only at key moments?

Thank you very much for your help!

2

Hi Titouan!

I’m no expert in design systems since they’re often already set up for me, but here’s what I’d suggest having tinkered and experiments:

File Duplication: Always duplicate the design system file before starting your project. This keeps the original system intact while allowing you to customise it for your needs.

Quick Color Modification: Set up Figma’s variables to manage colours globally, so any change updates consistently across all elements.

Publishing the Design System: I would guess publishing the design system after significant changes or at key project milestones would work.

Hope this helps! Someone more versed in creating design systems may offer more/better guidance.

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Hello DameGeri,

Thank you so much for your quick response and valuable advice. It’s been incredibly helpful!

Quick question: how do you manage to quickly change colors in the design system when it’s very large? Each color change can sometimes take up to five minutes…

Thanks again for your help!

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Hi Titouan,

Here’s a useful video I found while experimenting: YouTube Link. It covers how to map all theme colours to brand colours so that any changes to brand colours (like primary/secondary or adjustments for light/dark modes) reflect across the entire design system.

It took a bit of time to set up initially, but once done, updating colours was really straightforward!

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Thank you very much for your response! I sincerely appreciate the time you took to reply to me and the information/clarity you provided.

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You’re welcome… I hope it helps.