diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f25f710b2..2cc6f2d18 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -44,6 +44,14 @@ those checks in cached, parallel jobs with sharded browser journeys.
 Install the fast staged-file pre-commit and related-test pre-push hooks once per worktree with
 `bin/pnpm hooks:install`; see [hook behavior and partial staging](docs/contributing.md#git-hooks).
 
+### Design system
+
+Run `just design` (or `bin/just design` without activation) to install locked
+dependencies, start the standalone design-system viewer, and open it in your
+browser. It uses port 1442 and does not start the desktop app or live relay broker.
+If that port is occupied, choose another with `just design --port 1444`.
+Press Ctrl+C to stop the server.
+
 ## Relay channels
 
 Live development currently requires **an existing Buzz account in the OS credential
diff --git a/docs/contributing.md b/docs/contributing.md
index 9ede80cdd..a40c9cf99 100644
--- a/docs/contributing.md
+++ b/docs/contributing.md
@@ -58,6 +58,11 @@ need their own validation.
   implicit runner arguments. Explicit `--config` arguments merge afterward and can
   override it; keep their development URL and frontend command consistent. Use `--`
   before runner/application arguments if they contain their own `--port` flag.
+- `just design [args...]`: install locked dependencies, start the standalone
+  design-system viewer, and open it in your browser. Arguments pass through to
+  Vite, e.g. `just design --port 1444`. The default port is 1442; an occupied port
+  fails rather than switching automatically. This starts neither Tauri nor the
+  live relay broker. Press Ctrl+C to stop it.
 - To pause notifications in your local dev server, set `BUZZ_DEV_NOTIFICATIONS=0`
   in `.env.local` and restart the server. Only `0` pauses alerts and permission
   requests; removing the setting restores normal behavior. Saved preferences are
diff --git a/justfile b/justfile
index 9e1993cf3..4d5959e9f 100644
--- a/justfile
+++ b/justfile
@@ -18,6 +18,11 @@ web *args: install
 desktop *args: install
     node scripts/desktop-dev.mjs "$@"
 
+# Open the design system in a browser; forward Vite arguments (e.g. --port 1444).
+[positional-arguments]
+design *args: install
+    pnpm design:dev "$@"
+
 # Run buzzodz; forward arguments unchanged (Rust required).
 [positional-arguments]
 cli *args: