Name decisions once

Tokens give recurring choices such as spacing, color, and type scale a shared name. Teams can use those names in multiple components without copying raw values everywhere.

A useful token system reflects the product's actual visual decisions. Too many near-duplicate values make it harder to maintain consistency rather than easier.

Keep meaning clear

Semantic names such as surface, text-muted, and focus-ring describe a token's role better than names tied only to a particular screen.

Review tokens alongside real page layouts, including small screens and interactive states, so the system supports the interface people actually use.