Design tokens are a vital component of design systems, acting as standardized placeholders for design properties like colors, typography, and spacing. Each token is represented by a name, allowing designers and developers to reference them easily. For example, a token named `color.button.background.hover` can be used consistently across a project, ensuring that everyone understands which design element is being discussed. This clarity reduces miscommunication and enhances collaboration between teams. Using design tokens streamlines the design workflow by minimizing repetitive tasks. Instead of manually adjusting design elements across multiple pages, a designer can alter a single token, and the changes automatically apply throughout the project. This efficiency is particularly valuable as products grow in complexity. Tokens can also simplify color palettes and design decisions, making it easier to maintain consistency. For instance, if a brand color needs to be updated, changing the token means it updates everywhere it’s used. Common types of design tokens include color tokens for managing color palettes, typography tokens for standardizing text styles, spacing tokens for defining gaps between UI elements, and component tokens for encapsulating properties of specific UI elements. Each type plays a role in creating a cohesive user experience. By using descriptive names and avoiding duplication, designers can keep their systems organized and easily maintainable.