We've discussed reuse of elements in your prototyping or wireframing software, with Masters in Axure and Symbols in Balsamiq. The next step is creating a pattern library. Creating and maintaining a pattern library is important, if not crucial, for any long-running website or business. Pattern libraries make reuse of elements easier and quicker, they ensure that your interfaces are consistent, and they make maintenance of your site easier by different stakeholders.
A pattern library is a collection of website design elements with details about their appearance, behavior, and implementation.
Examples of such elements are buttons, menus, forms, and so on. They can also include visual design elements, such as icon sets and stylings, color, and typography.
Pattern libraries are easy to set up:
- Document and template: All you need is a document that contains the patterns and a template for how each pattern will be recorded.
- Online: Because your whole team will be using the...