Multiple design system & variables advice

Ask the community
,
1

Hello!

I’m in need of some advice on how to best implement variables across our design systems. For some context, I work for a SaaS company with an app across web and mobile.

When we created the design systems, initially wanted 1 that covered both web and mobile but after feedback from devs, we decided that 2 separate ones worked a little better for everyone even if it required a little more managing colours etc on our end.

Recently, I started doing some work on variables and have created a library of primitive and semantic layers for web which is working lovely, however, I can’t decide whether I should have 1 library for both or split it our into 2 like I did for the design systems.

If I had 1 variables library for both platforms, I did wonder if a new mode would work but then that seems like it could get confusing with the themes we’d like to introduce down the line but on the other hand, the management of 2 variables libraries seems a pain too.

I’m even thinking about merging the 2 design systems if it makes this process easier. Does anyone have experience with this situation?

Thanks in advance!

2

Hi @jajofa, Thanks so much for reaching out! I understand your concern.

Although it may not be a perfect fit for your requirements, I have come across some resources on our YouTube and in our Best Practices that you may find interesting:

I hope these resources help you out even a little. And if anyone in our community has similar experiences, please feel free to share your advice!

Thanks again, and best of luck with your project!