Overview

A concise 1-3 sentence description of this component and its primary purpose.

• Purpose: Explain why this component exists in the design system and what user/business needs it addresses
• When to Use: Describe use cases, scenarios, and the context in which this component is most effective.

Visual Documentation

1. Anatomy
2. Variants
3. States
4. Design Tokens

Anatomy

A labeled visual breakdown of the component's parts and structure.

Purpose: Provides a clear reference for designers and developers to understand the component's structure and naming conventions for each part.

• Diagram & Labels:
• Title or Header
• Icon or Chevron (if applicable)
• Body / Content Area
• Visual Examples: Include annotated images or Figma embeds.

Composition

• Structure: Explain how the component is built (container, subcomponents, nesting).
• Spacing & Alignment: Detail padding, margins, and how elements align within the component.

Variants

List and describe the different variations of the components available in the system.

Purpose: Documents the flexibility of the component and helps teams select the right variant for their use case.

Design Tokens

Document the design tokens (variables) used by the component.

Purpose: Creates a reference for how the component connects to the broader design system and helps teams understand how to customize the component.

States

Document the different interactive states of the component.

Purpose: Ensures designers and developers understand how the component should visually respond to user interaction.

Usage Guidelines

1. When to Use
2. Best Practices
3. Content Guidelines

When to Use

Provide clear guidance on when, where, and how to use the component.

Purpose: Helps teams use components consistently and appropriately, preventing misuse and ensuring a cohesive user experience.

Best Practices

• Do’s:
• Use the component for [specific use case].
• Keep labels concise and consistent.
• Don’ts:
• Avoid overcrowding the component with too much content.
• Don’t use the component when a full-page scroll is more appropriate.

Content Guidelines

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Technical Documentation

1. Interaction & Behavior
2. Properties
3. Modifiers

Interaction & Behavior

• Transitions/Motion: Include details on easing functions, durations, and animation (e.g., “Use --motion-duration-quick-1 for smooth transitions”).
• Keyboard & Mouse Interactions: Explain how users interact via clicks, keyboard navigation, and focus management.

Best practice: Clearly document interactive behaviors and states so developers can reproduce consistent interactions across platforms.

Properties

Document the customizable options, props (React), or parameters available for the component.

Purpose: Serves as a technical reference for developers implementing the component, ensuring proper usage and customization.

Modifiers

• Style Variants:
• Alternate color schemes or icon alignments.
• Size variations (e.g., small, medium, large).
• State Overrides:
• Additional states include error, loading, or focused.
• Custom Classes & Hooks:
• List available CSS classes, design tokens, or JavaScript hooks that let developers override default styles.
• Usage Examples: Provide annotated examples showing how a modifier changes appearance or behavior.

Accessibility

Document accessibility considerations and requirements.

Purpose: Ensures the component can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities, and meets legal and ethical accessibility standards.

References

• Jakob Nielsen, Error Message Guidelines (Nielsen Norman Group, 2001)
• Jakob Nielsen and Page Labuheimer, Top 10 Application-Design Mistakes (Nielsen Norman Group, 2019)

Related components

List and briefly describe components that are related or can be used in conjunction with this one.

Purpose: Helps teams understand the component ecosystem and make informed decisions about which components to use together.