Building Retro Component Libraries

Design patterns for scalable UI systems that grow with your application.

Introduction

Creating a component library isn't just about building reusable pieces—it's about establishing a design system that can evolve with your needs while maintaining consistency and accessibility.

Core Principles

1. Composition Over Configuration

Build small, focused components that can be combined rather than large components with tons of props.

// Avoid: Monolithic <Card title="Title" content="Content" hasHeader /> ```

2. Accessibility First

Every component should be accessible by default. Use semantic HTML and ARIA attributes properly.

3. Style Flexibility

Allow consumers to extend and customize without fighting the system. Use CSS variables, utility classes, or styled components.

Building a Button Component

Let's walk through creating a retro-styled button:

export function RetroButton({ variant = 'primary', size = 'md', children }: ButtonProps) { return ( <button className={cn( 'font-bold border-2 border-foreground', 'shadow-[4px_4px_0px_0px_rgba(0,0,0,1)]', 'hover:shadow-[2px_2px_0px_0px_rgba(0,0,0,1)]', 'hover:translate-x-[2px] hover:translate-y-[2px]', 'transition-all', variants[variant], sizes[size] )}> {children} </button> ); } ```

Documentation Matters

Good documentation is the difference between a library that gets used and one that gets ignored. Include:

- Live examples - Props API reference - Common use cases - Accessibility notes

Conclusion

Building a component library is an investment in your development workflow. Start small, iterate based on real needs, and always prioritize the developer experience.