Versioning keeps change under control. By setting clear rules for numbering, documenting, communicating, and releasing updates, you avoid breakage and confusion across products. Use this when introducing new tokens, components, or templates, or when making significant updates to existing work.
Versioning
How to
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Define versioning rules
Agree how updates are numbered and what counts as a patch, minor, or major change. Keep this consistent across tokens and patterns.
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Record changes
Maintain a changelog that captures what changed and why. Surface this through your Guidance Setup so teams can always find the latest information.
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Communicate clearly
Tell teams what the new version means for them. Highlight breaking changes, migration guidance, and benefits.
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Support migration
Offer clear upgrade paths, including deprecated states or side-by-side options while teams transition.
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Link to release process
Pair versioning with the Release tactic. Use your release framework to decide how updates are communicated, scaled, and supported.
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Review adoption
Check uptake and feedback. Adjust your approach to make versioning and release smoother over time.