CLAUDE.md vs DESIGN.md: Usage Guide for Claude Code
What information to include in each file for effective product design collaboration
1Two Essential Documents for Claude Code
CLAUDE.md and DESIGN.md are markdown files product teams use to enrich Claude Code context. While CLAUDE.md contains operational instructions on project execution, DESIGN.md focuses on product look and feel. This distinction enables more organized teamwork across disciplines.
2Purpose of CLAUDE.md
CLAUDE.md serves as a project's operational manual. It includes commands, architecture details, workflows, coding rules, and verification processes. For a mobile app project, it might specify which frameworks to use or how testing pipelines should operate - all technical implementation guidance.
3Role of DESIGN.md
DESIGN.md acts as the single source of truth for design. It documents visual and experiential elements like color palettes, typography rules, UI components, and user interactions. Teams frequently reference this file to maintain consistency across the design system.
4What to Include in CLAUDE.md
CLAUDE.md should contain project-specific working instructions. Typical content includes code review processes, branch strategies, test automation details, and deployment steps. Operational aspects like communication channels and meeting rituals can also be documented here for team alignment.
5Recommended Content for DESIGN.md
DESIGN.md should capture design rationale, user flow diagrams, accessibility standards, and responsive behavior rules. Animation specifics, micro-interactions, and key findings from user testing also belong in this document to guide implementation decisions.
6Synergistic Benefits of Both Documents
When used together, these documents create a clear framework for technical and design teams. CLAUDE.md answers 'how' questions while DESIGN.md addresses 'what' - aligning stakeholder expectations. This approach minimizes communication gaps, especially valuable for distributed teams collaborating on complex projects.
Original article: UX Planet — CLAUDE.md ve DESIGN.md Dosyalarının Kullanım Kılavuzu