A design system is a collection of components and guidelines that an organization needs to improve digital products. It's not about creating a rigid definition, but rather being intentional about the design decisions made. A good design system should be adaptable to the organization it serves, and can be either deliberate or emergent, with most systems falling somewhere in between. The key is finding the right balance of drift and intention, allowing for flexibility while still providing guidance. This approach enables teams to make more consistent, higher-quality products in less time, without unnecessary cost or formality. By being intentional about design system decisions, organizations can create a system that improves their effectiveness over time.