Washington Post Design System Principles

Five principles guiding the Washington Post Design System, focusing on reusability, functionality, adaptability, predictability, and accessibility.

  1. Reusable

    Design modular components that can be reused without modification. Maintain visual and functional consistency with comprehensive documentation.

  2. Functional

    Prioritise user needs and ensure every component serves a clear purpose. Optimise for performance and reliability across all use cases.

  3. Adaptable

    Ensure components provide optimal experience across screen sizes. Consider localisation and internationalisation for different languages and cultures.

  4. Predictable

    Maintain consistent design patterns to reduce cognitive load. Provide clear feedback and intuitive wayfinding so users can predict behaviour.

  5. Accessible

    Design to be usable by as many people as possible. Adhere to WCAG guidelines and use inclusive imagery and language.