System setup
Setup is about putting structures in place that keep your design system running smoothly. Without them, teams risk confusion over ownership, contribution, and decision-making, which slows adoption. This strategy defines how governance works, who contributes, and how progress is measured, so the system scales with clarity. Use it once you have [alignment](/strategies/getting-alignment), or as a starting point if you already have leadership support and need to formalise how the system operates.
Choose a governance model
Decide how decisions will be made and who owns what by working through the governance model tactic.
Shape contribution
Define how teams can add to the system and what the process looks like.
Assign responsibilities
Clarify who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed. Shape this ahead of time by leading with an influence mapping session.
Set up guidance
Create the central home for your system and choose how documentation will be delivered.
Define scope and direction
Decide whether the system should be custom, kit-based, or a hybrid. This helps ground setup decisions in what the organisation can realistically support.
Define success
Agree how you will measure progress and adoption. This ensures you track the right signals as governance, contribution, and guidance take shape.
Set priorities
Take outputs from the System Vision workshop and shape them into a prioritised plan.
Build a business case
Bring all of this together to package outcomes into a clear story for leadership.