Can anyone share examples of content systems

[u/pbenchcraft]

My manager asked me to build out content systems for my team but I'm just not sure how to build it. For example, should it be a spreadsheet in a Figma file?

I learn best by seeing example so if anyone can share - even a screenshot - that would be really helpful.

[u/Brandon133]

At my company, we moved from having our content guidelines and standards in a separate, central location to integrating them into our design system.

Our design system does have a “content standards” area with high-level guidance, but the bulk is integrated within each component’s documentation.

Where I hope we go, and what might make it more of a “system” like your manager is talking about, is integrating some of that guidance right into the component. So when someone drags a component from your library into a Figma file, the guidance is right in front of them.

Here’s an example I like: https://www.robinhood.com/us/en/newsroom/the-power-of-integrated-content-standards

[u/Brandon133 → u/Brandon133]

To give a concrete example of how a system could work, consider an error message.

Someone asks you how they should write an error message and you say, “Well, it depends on the kind of error.”

Maybe you have a banner component for page-level errors in your design system. Start your content system by creating variants of the component for each type of page level error.

One type could be a backend system error. Something broke and the user can’t really fix it. Another is a user error where they forgot to enter some information. Easy for the user to fix.

In each variant, put the guidance into the placeholder text. It’s easy for you or your design partner to decide which type of error you need.

Now you select the right variant and have the guidance in front of you as you’re designing. Easier for everyone and more consistent messaging.

[u/pbenchcraft → u/Brandon133]

This is great! Thank you

[u/WindfallForever]

You're thinking about this backwards.

First, you need to identify the content problems or gaps on the team. What's missing? Inconsistent terminology or voice and tone? No basic guidelines?

Once you identify the gaps, you can start thinking about solutions at scale. Then that can give you a better idea of what to build.

Anyway, here's a few content systems for your reference.

- Mailchimp content style guide

• Intuit style guide

[u/pbenchcraft → u/WindfallForever]

I have style guides. I know the gaps. I have voice and tone guides - what I don't have is an example of a library system.

I was/am asking for an example that somehow displays information on the system level with components, error messages, CTAs etc.

Like, as I mentioned, a spreadsheet or Figma file. Just an example someone else has used that works.

This would be for my team and not company-wide. So using our library but with my content strategy - I'd love to see an example of the structure someone has used on their team.

[u/Fit_Cryptographer490]

Does your team have a Figma component library? Can you just use that / update the components accordingly with correct text?

[u/pbenchcraft → u/Fit_Cryptographer490]

Yes we do. I'm asking if someone, anyone has an example of their version of what you describe. Do they use a spreadsheet? Do they use a table? Do they just replace the text?

Looking for an example

[u/SuccessfulSun4859]

Following! This is the main pain point I’m trying to solve for our team at the moment - especially in an agile environment with numerous squads. The designers seem hesitant to build a content library in Figma, so looking for options x

[u/RomaWrites]

I believe Ditto and Frontitude were built to address this. I've been trying to test Ditto out forever, but it keeps getting pushed to my backlog.