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Could you explain your design system on a single page?
I’m not talking about your full reference site.
I mean a crisp, distilled manifesto that anyone can read in under five minutes and immediately know:
What your system contains
How to start using it
Who should use itWhy it exists
Why a one-pager matters
Most design systems drown in documentation: multi-page libraries, endless do’s and don’ts, version history going back years.
That’s great for maintainers. It’s terrible for a curious new team who just wants to use the thing.
A one-page manifesto forces clarity.
If you can’t say what the system is for in plain language, your system is probably trying to be everything for everyone. And failing.
What goes on the page
Here’s my go-to outline:
Name & tagline. “Atlas: our enterprise product design system at Olympus Vehicles.”
Purpose. Why does it exist? “Atlas helps teams build better interfaces so our passengers can enjoy the ride.”
Who it’s for. Be explicit. Designers, developers, content folks? Specific teams or platforms? “Atlas serves designers, engineers, and PMs across our in-vehicle interfaces.”
What’s included. Keep it high-level: “Tokens, components, templates, docs.”
How to start. Link directly to the starter kit, code repo, or Figma library… whatever the first step is.
What it’s not. Manage expectations: “Atlas should not be used across marketing collateral.”
Where to use your one-pager
Pin it to the top of your design system site.
Include it in every onboarding doc.
Print it out. Stick it on the wall. On bathroom mirrors. Car windshields.
Use it to pitch skeptical teams.
Reference it in budget conversations to remind leadership why the system exists.
A living promise
A one-pager is more than a summary. It’s a promise.
It keeps your system honest.
It reminds you to stay focused on your mission.
Write it. Share it. Update it when your system grows.
One page can align 100 people more than 200 pages ever will.
