“Design Systems in the Time of AI” by Brad Frost reflects on the evolving role of design systems amid rapid advancements in AI-powered tools. The article explores how tools like Figma’s Dev Mode and Code Connect blur the lines between design and code, and how emerging AI capabilities could accelerate interface creation, bridging production gaps even further. Rather than seeing AI as a threat to design systems, Frost emphasizes their foundational value in ensuring consistency, clarity, and shared understanding between teams — regardless of how interfaces are produced.
Frost encourages designers to embrace AI as a collaborative force rather than a disruptive one. He argues that strong design systems are more important than ever to ground rapid automation in clear principles and reusable patterns. While the mechanics of interface production may change, the strategic role of design systems — to define the “what” and the “why” behind interfaces — remains stable. The article serves as both a philosophical reflection and a pragmatic reminder for teams to continue investing in structured design thinking even in a fast-changing landscape.
