Documentation in design systems consists mainly of guidelines and specifications that explain how to implement and use the system. It helps engineers, designers, and other stakeholders understand how a system works and it's organised.
Technical specifications are primarily aimed at engineers and provide details on implementing components, covering aspects like accessibility considerations, spacing, layout rules, tokenised values for colours and typography, and interaction states. While design tools offer inspection features, technical specs serve as a complement to that presenting information in a structured way.
Usage guidance, on the other hand, is intended for all consumers of the design system, including designers and product managers. It explains how components should be used within a product’s experience, often including labeled component anatomy, best practices, do’s and don’ts, and real-world usage examples. Clear guidance ensures components are not just understood in isolation but within the broader context of a cohesive interface.
Documentation can be hosted in design files like Figma and Sketch, project management tools such as Notion or Confluence, dedicated platforms like Storybook and Zeroheight, or custom-built solutions. Depending on the organization’s needs, it may be publicly accessible for external teams and contributors or kept private for internal use.
