The importance of a shared language
Where to start when discussing naming conventions
Finding a consensus around naming conventions, while difficult at times, is vital to a successful system that serves both designers and developers. If you aren't speaking the same language, that is the first challenge you should be addressing.
When considering your naming convention guidelines, there are four main areas to consider:
- Shared Taxonomy – what are these things actually called?
- Design Tokens & Styles – how does our language create a bridge between design and development?
- Components & Patterns – how do we balance Sketch naming with design system stakeholder naming?
- Sub-brands & Theming – how do your naming conventions serve these needs?