Using version control and planned releases

Version control helps teams track changes in the design system and understand what was added, updated, or removed. Semantic versioning and a clear changelog make these updates predictable. When each release has a defined version, teams know whether a change is small, moderate, or significant. This creates stability and reduces confusion as the system evolves.

Planned release cycles also support trust. When new components or improvements move through the development branch and are grouped into a scheduled release, product teams can prepare for what is coming. They can pull the new version into their environment, test it, and report any issues. This shared rhythm makes it easier for teams to adopt updates without disrupting their work.