Early-stage startups often overlook the development of a design system due to other pressing priorities, but its implementation can lead to a better product. Establishing a solid foundation with basic design elements like typography, color, and core components is crucial, and leveraging design software such as Figma can facilitate building a component library. Collaborative efforts between design and engineering teams are vital to maintaining consistency and cohesiveness, with regular communication helping to reduce technical and design debt. Prioritizing recurring components, such as dialogs and tables, can maximize impact while allowing incremental changes to keep the system manageable. Flexibility within the design system is essential to promote innovation and adapt to new product needs, and utilizing established design patterns can save time and resources. As the system evolves, integrating brand guidelines and ensuring accessibility are important considerations, highlighting the ongoing nature of design system development.