Design Tokens vs Creativity: Striking a Balance
Design Tokens vs Creativity: Striking a Balance
While design tokens offer many benefits, some worry that they can limit creativity. We should strike a balance by using design tokens as a framework rather than a set of strict rules
In the world of design, there are many tools and techniques that designers use to create unique and compelling visuals. One of these tools is design tokens, which are pre-defined variables used to define the visual design of a project.
But, some designers worry that design tokens can limit creativity.
When we have a limited set of rules to follow, feel like we can't try different design options. This can result in a project that seems boring and not unique.
In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of design tokens versus creativity, and how designers can strike a balance between the two.
The Benefits of Design Tokens
Main benefits of adopting design tokens:
Make it easier to maintain a consistent look and feel, create a strong brand identity, and help users remember your project.
Streamline the design process by letting designers concentrate on the big picture idea, saving time and reducing the chance of mistakes.
Encourage teamwork between designers and developers by providing developers with easy access to pre-defined variables in the code.
The Limits of Design Tokens
Although design tokens have many benefits, some designers fear that they may limit creativity:
If designers are given a limited set of variables to work with, they may feel restricted in their exploration of various design options.
The perception of a project that feels stale and unoriginal.
If designers create tokens after finding design solutions, you might need to change the tokens to match the designs you already made. This could take a long time and might cause problems with the design system being inconsistent.
Striking a Balance
So, how can designers strike a balance between design tokens and creativity?
The key is to approach design tokens as a framework rather than a set of strict rules.
Designers can begin with design tokens, but should also explore different design options.
It's important to keep up with trends and best practices to ensure that design outputs are current and relevant, while still maintaining consistency using design tokens.
Collaboration is essential. Designers should work closely with developers and stakeholders to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
By working together, designers can create a cohesive design system that meets everyone's needs while still allowing for creativity and innovation.
Conclusion
Design tokens are not set in stone.
They can be adjusted and tweaked as needed to accommodate different design needs. Additionally, they can free up designers to focus on more creative tasks, such as creating unique layouts and interactions.
By not having to worry about individual elements, designers can focus on the bigger picture and create a truly innovative design.
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