Should I use an existing design system or build my own?
It depends on your goals, timeline, and team size.
Use an existing design system (like Material Design, Carbon, or Spectrum) if you want to move fast and benefit from tested, accessible components. This is ideal for small teams or early-stage products.
Build your own if you need full control over branding, have unique product needs, or want custom components tailored to your interface. It takes more effort but gives maximum flexibility.
Many teams start with a popular system and gradually evolve it into a custom one. The right choice depends on how much customization you need vs. how quickly you need to ship.