Inspecting code to reveal patterns
Inspecting the code behind UI elements helps teams understand how components are structured and named. In some products, the stylesheet or component architecture already follows a certain logic, such as separating elements, components, and modules. Examining these files shows how the interface has been built over time and where naming or styling may be inconsistent.
Code inspection also helps identify duplicated or outdated definitions. For example, a single color might appear under many different variable names or be defined in multiple locations. These findings show where cleanup is needed before building a design system. When teams connect screenshots to the code that styles them, the inventory becomes more accurate and easier to maintain.
Pro Tip: When inspecting code, look for repeated patterns in class names or variables. These repetitions can help reveal how components were meant to function originally.
