Overview of Multi-Brand Design System Approaches
As design systems grow, companies need scalable solutions to support multiple brands, products, or platforms while maintaining efficiency and consistency. With Supernova, there are two primary approaches to structuring a multi-brand design system:
1. Single Design System with Brand Layers
Ideal for teams managing multiple brands, product areas, or platform variations within one shared system and documentation site.
2. Separate Design Systems for Each Brand, Product, or Platform
Designed for larger organizations needing distinct design systems, independent documentation sites, and governance models.
Each approach has unique benefits and trade-offs depending on how teams work, how design data is structured, and how documentation is consumed.
Understanding Supernova’s Core Structure
At the highest level, a Supernova Workspace serves as the home for your Design Systems. It’s where teams collaborate, manage Design Data, and publish Documentation. Within a Workspace, you can create and structure multiple design systems, each housing the key elements that bring your products to life—such as tokens, components, and assets. Each Design System can support one or multiple brands, platforms, or product lines, offering both flexibility and scalability.
Supernova Terms Table
To clarify key terminology, here’s how Supernova defines core concepts within its UI:
For more Supernova terminology see Supernova Glossary.
➡ What’s Next?
Now that you are familiar with Supernova concepts, let’s dive into the two different setup options and explore how they are structured within Supernova, with real-world use cases for each approach.
