The first step in managing design systems debt is identifying it. This involves reviewing existing design assets, such as layouts, typography, and color schemes, and identifying areas where consistency is lacking or where design elements are not being used effectively. By doing so, organizations can get a clear picture of their design systems debt and develop a plan to address it.

Once design systems debt has been identified, organizations can start implementing strategies to reduce it. This can include creating a design system documentation, establishing a design system team, and implementing design system tools and software. Additionally, organizations can prioritize design systems debt reduction by allocating resources and budget to addressing the issue.

Effective management of design systems debt requires a collaborative effort between designers, developers, and product managers. Best practices for managing design systems debt include regular design system audits, establishing a design system governance model, and providing training and resources for designers and developers. By following these best practices, organizations can ensure that their design systems are well-maintained and aligned with business goals.