How to manage a design system

Product managers play a crucial role in developing and scaling design systems by ensuring design consistency, understanding user needs, and securing leadership buy-in, while treating the design system as a product in itself. Building such a system starts with a comprehensive component audit and involves cross-functional collaboration to align design language across teams. Effective implementation requires a structured product roadmap that considers component dependencies, demand, and organizational strategy, alongside managing scope to avoid unnecessary expansions. Successful adoption is bolstered by demos, office hours, and fostering customer success through community channels and feedback loops. To measure the impact, qualitative and quantitative metrics are essential for demonstrating the system's value, ensuring it aligns with broader business objectives, and maintaining focus on long-term goals.