Atlassian Design System – Values and Principles
Three core values paired with guiding principles that shape how Atlassian's design system team builds foundational components, maintains quality standards, and empowers consumers across all skill levels.
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Foundational (Value)
Solve common problems for all to provide a solid foundation consumers can confidently build upon, avoiding consistency for its own sake whilst rejecting infinite flexibility.
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Trusted fundamentals before comprehensive patterns
Focus on foundational problems first, providing opinionated building blocks that enable bespoke experiences whilst ensuring quality through research and clear accessibility, responsiveness, and reusability standards.
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Harmonious (Value)
Create building blocks that work together to form a cohesive product family, gaining trust through intentional and purposeful design.
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Meeting system needs before delivering features
Co-create with all perspectives, finish what you start before beginning new work, incorporate continuous feedback, and consider documentation, support, deprecation, and maintenance from the outset.
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Empowering, for everyone (Value)
Make the design system accessible to everyone regardless of discipline, skill level, or tenure, multiplying impact by enabling as many people as possible to use it.
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Bringing people on the journey before helping for the moment
Educate consumers through the process to build trust and shared ownership, prioritise service experience, optimise for self-service, and inspire consumers to become champions who improve their craft.