Let's talk about an important principle and method that's super relevant to every part of your work and life. There's no formal name for it, so I’m just calling it the "Source of Truth method."

Design Systems are great examples of that method, acting as the ultimate source of truth. Also, think of programming concepts like MVC (model-view-controller), database integration, or OOP (object-oriented programming); what I'm going to explain is much simpler at its core.

How does the Source of Truth method work?

This method is pretty straightforward: think of each element as having a unique ID that can't be duplicated, just shown in different formats. This unique identifier keeps things consistent and accurate across different platforms. For example, I keep a detailed list of articles I've written on Framer, and this is one of them. Framer is a fun platform for showcasing creative work, while I originally stored this list on Notion, a tool you know that is perfect for organizing thoughts and managing projects. Notion is versatile and easy to use, making it great for drafting and planning content before it's published.

The issue is when I don't stick to the Source of Truth Method principle. This principle stresses the importance of having a single, authoritative version of any piece of information. If I draft something on Notion and then copy it to Framer, I'm creating two versions of the same thing. The problem is that any changes made on Framer won't automatically show up in Notion, and vice versa. This can cause inconsistencies and potential confusion, as updates or changes might be missed on one platform. So, sticking to a single source of truth is key to making sure updates are in sync across platforms, keeping content consistent and coherent.

You have two options: the first is to use Zapier or any official plugin from Framer and Notion, or other automation tools to sync the two content lists (which I don't think is really necessary). The second option is to stick with just one source, like Framer. By keeping the articles only on Framer, I can avoid duplicates and the hassle of maintaining identical lists. Basically, having two copies of the same thing just doesn't add up.

One source, Multiple Views

Like I mentioned, it's crucial that you don't have the same element duplicated in two separate sources of truth. Instead, you can have different views of the same element from one source of truth.

Views can show up in different ways. For example, if the source is usually a database, the view might be a visual representation that keeps the source's data intact without changing it, preserving the Source of Truth rule. Design apps often use this feature, like Figma's master component and its instances, or the links in Adobe apps. These tools let you explore different representations while staying closely connected to the source.

Notion, an example of Source of Truth

Notion is a great example of the Source of Truth method. The idea of having one source with multiple views is beautifully executed in its database feature. Picture having a comprehensive database of tasks in Notion as your "source," containing every task you need to complete. The beauty of Notion's system is that it lets you create multiple views, offering different ways to look at or interpret your source data.

For example, you can have a Calendar View to see your tasks for the week in a calendar format, giving you a visual take on your schedule. Or, you might prefer a Kanban View, which organizes your tasks into stages like "Not Started," "In Progress," and "Completed," similar to a project management board. Maybe you're a fan of simplicity and opt for a straightforward List View. No matter the view, the underlying data stays the same—one source, multiple views.

This aligns perfectly with the Source of Truth method, emphasizing one unique source while allowing for various representations. It streamlines data management by avoiding duplication and boosts productivity by providing customized perspectives.

With this setup, you can easily switch between views based on your needs, knowing that any changes will show up across all views, ensuring consistency and accuracy. Imagine having 100 views with the same data from one source and having to manually update each one whenever you add or change data—that would lead to a lot of errors.

Figma, Master Components and Instances

Figma and other UI tools use the Source of Truth method with Master Components and Instances. Designers can create one Master Component, the "source," and then make multiple instances in their design.

These instances act like different "views" of the master component. You can tweak them with overrides to fit specific design needs, like changing colors, sizes, or adding/removing elements. But even with these tweaks, the link to the master component stays intact. So, any updates to the master automatically apply to all its instances, keeping things consistent and saving you from manual updates. This is similar to how Notion handles data.

Like Notion, Figma’s method offers flexibility and customization while sticking to a single source of truth. It streamlines the design process and boosts productivity, especially in big projects with repeating elements, because designers can manage everything centrally and maintain consistency throughout the project.

OOP, Object-Oriented Programming

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a way of organizing data into objects and the functions that work with them. It makes coding more flexible and easier to maintain, thanks to its key principles: encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.

The idea of the Source of Truth Method is closely tied to OOP. Just like OOP uses objects as reusable components in a program, the Source of Truth Method uses master components that can be repeatedly applied across a design. In OOP, you can call an object's methods for different purposes while keeping its main structure intact, much like how overrides in the Source of Truth Method allow for unique tweaks while staying linked to the master component.

In the end, the Source of Truth Method, similar to OOP, centralizes control by keeping a "single source of truth"—whether it's the master object in OOP or the master component in design systems. This not only ensures consistency but also makes managing and updating large systems a whole lot easier.

Design Systems, the Source of Truth

Design Systems act as a guide to a project's visual and functional elements, making sure everything stays consistent across various platforms and products. They come with a library of design elements—like colors, typography, and components—and include standards for their use.

Design systems are a game-changer for teams, streamlining the design process, ensuring a consistent user experience, and making collaboration easier. Just like the OOP concept in programming, design systems maintain a "single source of truth" by setting up a central hub of design elements that can be reused and adapted throughout a project.

This boosts efficiency and coherence, enhancing overall product quality. As someone who values the Source of Truth Method, I naturally became a Design Systems expert. With a solid grasp of Object-Oriented Programming principles, I adapted these ideas to design.

Cloud, your File Repository

Cloud (Mega, Dropdbox, Google Drive…) is a great example of the Source of Truth Method, making it easy and secure to access data on multiple devices. It serves as a universal source, ensuring a single version of truth. According to the Source of Truth Method, you can access and edit data from any device, making it super convenient and efficient.

The cloud comes with loads of benefits for personal and professional use. For personal use, it simplifies managing and sharing files, letting you access them from any device, anywhere, at any time. No more worrying about losing your precious photos, videos, or documents, as they're safely stored in the cloud thanks to the Source of Truth Method.

On the professional side, the benefits are even bigger. The cloud boosts collaboration by allowing team members to access, edit, and share documents in real-time, while working alongside the Source of Truth Method. This helps with quick decision-making, increases productivity, and reduces the risk of errors and miscommunications.

The cloud also provides scalability for businesses. As your business grows, you can easily increase your storage capacity in the cloud without the headache of buying and maintaining physical servers. Plus, the cloud works on a cost-effective pay-as-you-go model, so you only pay for the storage space you need, in line with the Source of Truth Method.

The cloud has changed the way we store and share data. It offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness to meet both personal and professional needs, ensuring seamless connectivity and access to your data.

If you're interested, I utilize Mega, a premier cloud service that stands out in the market, offering excellent features at competitive prices. It's definitely much better than Dropbox and Google Drive. Check Mega here: https://mega.io/pricing?aff=6yWLqs9dGbI

Why the Source of Truth Method is so important

The Source of Truth method brings some great perks that make design and data management smoother and better. First off, it sets up a single source of truth that wipes out inconsistencies, cuts down on errors, and keeps everything up-to-date. This approach really reduces the chance of mistakes and helps keep data or design elements clear and accurate throughout a project.

It boosts efficiency and productivity. By handling changes in one place, it gets rid of the need for repetitive, manual updates, saving a ton of time and effort. Plus, its flexibility lets you customize individual views without messing up the main component, encouraging creativity and adaptability.

It makes collaboration easier. With one master element or data point everyone can access, it's simpler to keep a unified vision, sync tasks, and work together effectively. This is especially helpful for large, distributed teams handling complex projects.