Comprehensively inventory existing components. Create a multi-level classification system (like atoms, molecules, organisms). Assign each component to a category. Identify gaps and redundancies in the component library.

Classified components by type and usage. Organized component inventory. Established a foundation for a component system.

When setting up categories, start broad: navigation, content, interaction, feedback. Let subcategories emerge from the components. Forcing pre-made categories can lead to awkward fits. Some components won't fit cleanly. That's useful information. Create a 'needs discussion' category for boundary-blurring items; they often reveal design system gaps. As a facilitator, stay neutral during categorization debates. Your job is to surface disagreement, not resolve it. Disagreement often highlights valuable perspectives. After classification, review category sizes. Uneven distributions suggest category adjustments. A 'miscellaneous' pile exceeding 10% indicates unclear classification criteria.