Integrating AWS Icons into Your Design System

Why Add AWS Icons to Your Design System?

A design system creates a single source of truth for your UI components, ensuring consistency across all your products and documentation. For companies building on AWS, incorporating official service icons into this system is a logical step. It ensures that all internal and external documentation, from architecture diagrams to marketing materials, uses a consistent and accurate visual language.

Step 1: Centralize the Assets

Use a tool like AWS Icon Scout to download the SVG versions of all the icons you use. SVGs are vector-based, meaning they scale perfectly without losing quality. Store these in a centralized location that your design system references, such as a shared library in Figma or a dedicated repository.

Step 2: Define Component Properties

Create a generic "Service Icon" component in your design system. This component should have properties (props) for:

• Service Name: To select which icon to display (e.g., service="s3").
• Size: Define a set of standard sizes (e.g., sm, md, lg) to be used consistently.
• Color: While AWS icons have official colors, you might need monochrome versions for certain contexts.

Step 3: Document Usage Guidelines

Documentation is key. Clearly outline when and how to use the AWS icons. For example:

• Do: Use the official icon for the specific service being referenced.
• Don't: Alter the icon's shape or aspect ratio.
• Do: Ensure sufficient color contrast for accessibility.
• Don't: Use icons to represent a general concept if a specific service icon is more appropriate.

By integrating AWS icons into your design system, you elevate the professionalism and clarity of your technical communications.