Documentation can make or break design system adoption. Great documentation isn't just comprehensive—it's clear, actionable, and easy to navigate.
Start With Why
Before explaining how to use a component, explain why it exists and when to use it. Context helps developers make better decisions. Include real-world examples and anti-patterns to avoid.
Show, Don't Just Tell
Interactive examples are worth a thousand words. Live code playgrounds let developers experiment immediately. Showing components in realistic contexts helps developers understand how they work in practice.
Make It Searchable
Developers will search for solutions, not browse documentation. Good information architecture, search functionality, and SEO ensure people find answers quickly. Consider what terms developers might search.
Keep It Updated
Outdated documentation is worse than no documentation. It creates confusion and erodes trust. Treat documentation as a first-class deliverable, updated with every component change. Automated documentation generation helps maintain accuracy.
Conclusion
Documentation is a product for developers. Apply the same rigor to documentation that you apply to design: understand your users, solve their problems, and iterate based on feedback.