In the rapidly evolving landscape of enterprise software, design systems play a crucial role in ensuring consistency and scalability across applications. Salesforce, a leader in customer relationship management (CRM), has been at the forefront of this evolution with its Lightning Design System (SLDS). Recently, Salesforce introduced SLDS 2 , an updated version designed to meet the growing demands for customization and integration with emerging technologies like AI. This blog will delve into what SLDS 2 is and explore the concept of agentic experience within this new framework.
What is Lightning Design System 2 ?
SLDS 2 is the next generation of Salesforce’s design system, launched as a beta version. It builds upon the success of SLDS 1, which was introduced in 2015 and set the standard for enterprise design. SLDS 2 is designed to provide greater flexibility and an AI-ready foundation, allowing users to create more customized and dynamic user experiences. Key features of SLDS 2 include:
- Flexible Styling Framework: Offers advanced theming options, making it easier for admins to design without code and for developers to have more control over the design.
- Agentic Design: Prepares the ground for integrating AI-driven experiences, enabling more personalized and adaptive interfaces.
- Modular Design: Utilizes primitive components that are self-contained and adaptable, ensuring consistency across different applications
Agentic Experience
The concept of an agentic experience is central to SLDS 2’s vision for the future. An agentic system refers to a design framework that incorporates autonomous AI agents to enhance user interactions. This approach aims to create more dynamic and responsive interfaces that can adapt to user needs in real-time.
Key Aspects of Agentic Experience in SLDS 2:
- Styling Hooks Flexibility: SLDS 2 introduces a hierarchical styling framework using CSS variables (custom properties), which allows for more precise and cohesive visual results. This flexibility is crucial for creating consistent yet customizable experiences across different applications.
- Agentic Experience Patterns: The system includes new patterns and guidelines for designing AI-driven interfaces. This enables developers to build solutions that leverage AI for more personalized and adaptive user experiences.
- Modular Design with Primitive Components: SLDS 2 uses small, self-contained UI components (primitives) that can be styled and adapted dynamically. This modular approach ensures that applications remain consistent and perform well while adapting to user needs.
Benefits of Agentic Experience in SLDS 2
The integration of agentic experiences in SLDS 2 offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Customization: Users can create more personalized interfaces that reflect their brand and needs.
- Future-Proofing: By embracing AI-driven design, businesses can stay ahead of evolving user expectations and technological advancements.
- Consistency and Scalability: Despite increased customization, SLDS 2 ensures that applications remain consistent and scalable, maintaining a unified user experience across different platforms.
Conclusion
SLDS 2 represents a significant step forward in design systems, particularly with its focus on agentic experiences. By combining flexibility, customization, and AI-driven design, Salesforce is positioning itself at the forefront of enterprise software development. As businesses continue to evolve and demand more personalized and adaptive interfaces, SLDS 2 provides the tools necessary to meet these challenges and create future-proof applications. Whether you’re an admin, developer, or UX designer, embracing SLDS 2 can help you unlock new possibilities in user experience design.
Additional Resources: The Salesforce Cosmos Theme: Quick Look | Salesforce Trailhead, Get Started
