Brad Frost’s chapter on maintaining design systems emphasizes the importance of treating design systems as living entities that require ongoing maintenance, support, and adaptation. Unlike static artifacts, design systems should be viewed as dynamic products that evolve alongside the needs of the organization and its users. Frost delves into the concept of making design systems official within an organization by securing executive sponsorship and embedding the system into the company’s processes and culture.

To ensure long-term success, Frost advocates for a cross-disciplinary approach where designers, developers, product managers, and other stakeholders work collaboratively. This collaboration is crucial for keeping the design system adaptable and maintainable. Frost highlights the need for a clear roadmap and backlog to manage the design system’s evolution, addressing new requirements, technological changes, and user feedback.

A significant part of maintaining a design system is handling changes effectively. Frost outlines strategies for version control, documentation, and communication to ensure that updates are seamlessly integrated and widely understood. He stresses the importance of involving stakeholders at every stage, from initial planning to implementation and review, to foster a sense of ownership and alignment.

Creating a sustainable governance plan is another key aspect discussed in the chapter. Frost suggests establishing a dedicated team or committee responsible for the ongoing management and evolution of the design system. This team should regularly audit the system to identify areas for improvement and ensure consistency across all products and services.

Frost also addresses common challenges in maintaining design systems, such as resistance to change, lack of resources, and the risk of the system becoming outdated. He provides practical advice on overcoming these obstacles, including securing continuous funding, promoting the benefits of the design system, and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.

By treating the design system as a living product and implementing these strategies, organizations can ensure that their design systems remain relevant, useful, and aligned with their goals and user needs. This proactive approach helps in building a robust design system that can adapt to future challenges and opportunities.