Why and How to Use Design Tokens for Your Web and Mobile Apps

Aprile 2023 𐤟 2 min read

Design tokens are a powerful tool that can streamline your design system and ensure consistency across all platforms. If you have a web app and Android and iOS apps, using design tokens can make it easier to maintain a consistent look and feel across all devices.

Design Tokens for cross platform apps
Fla UI workflow

What Are Design Tokens?


Design tokens are a set of consistent values that represent visual design properties such as colors, typography, spacing, and more. These values are defined in a single place and can be used across different platforms, design tools, and development languages. Design tokens provide a common language for designers and developers to communicate design decisions and ensure consistency in the design system.

Why Use Design Tokens?


Design tokens have several benefits for designers, developers, and businesses:

  • Consistency: Design tokens ensure that the same visual properties are used consistently across different platforms and devices. This creates a cohesive and unified experience for users.
  • Efficiency: Design tokens can streamline the design process by reducing the need for manual updates and iterations. Once a design token is defined, it can be used across multiple projects and platforms.
  • Flexibility: Design tokens provide flexibility to adjust the design system as needed. If a color or font needs to be changed, it can be updated in the design token file and applied across all platforms.
  • Collaboration: Design tokens provide a shared language between designers and developers, improving communication and collaboration.
  • How to Use Design Tokens in Your Projects


    Implementing design tokens in your projects requires a few steps:

  • Define your design tokens: Define the visual properties that will be used in your design system such as colors, typography, spacing, and more. These values should be consistent across all platforms and devices.
  • Create a design token file: Create a file that contains all the design tokens. This file should be accessible to both designers and developers and should be maintained in a version control system.
  • Use design tokens in your design tools: Designers can use design tokens in their design tools such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD. This ensures that the same values are used consistently across all designs.
  • Use design tokens in your codebase: Developers can use design tokens in their codebase to ensure consistency in the UI. This can be done by creating a CSS or SCSS file that references the design token file.
  • Update design tokens as needed: If a visual property needs to be changed, update the design token file and reapply it across all platforms.
  • Conclusion


    Design tokens are a powerful tool that can improve the consistency, efficiency, and flexibility of your design system. By defining a set of consistent values, you can streamline the design process and ensure a cohesive user experience across all platforms and devices. Implementing design tokens requires a bit of upfront work, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Start using design tokens in your projects today and see the difference it can make!








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