This article explores the challenges of implementing a dark mode feature in the Figma design platform, as written by Shirley Miao, a software engineer at Figma.
The author details how dark mode seemed like a simple request at first but raised complex technical issues upon deeper examination. To build a flexible solution, the Figma engineering team developed a systematic approach using semantic tokens to define colors. They also engaged engineers across the company to help complete the work through a dedicated “Dark Mode Week.”
The process of migrating Figma’s codebase to these new tokens required careful planning and tooling. The end result was a robust foundation to support dynamic theming going forward. This insightful case study provides lessons for thoughtfully addressing user requests at scale while engineering for longevity.
