diff --git a/docs/design-system.md b/docs/design-system.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9a94a54
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/design-system.md
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+# Design System
+
+The design uses original CoaxysPanel branding: clean white/light-gray surfaces, thin borders, restrained shadows, strong blue primary accents, and sparing orange highlights.
+
+Tokens live in `src/lib/design-tokens.ts` and `src/app/globals.css`:
+
+- Colors and status colors
+- Typography defaults
+- Border radii
+- Sidebar and header sizing
+- Focus rings
+- Compact and comfortable density hooks
+- Table and form spacing conventions
+
+The UI intentionally favors dense operational screens over marketing layouts.