Design to Code at Scale

Close collaboration with engineering is critical to bridging the gap between design and implementation. This tactic supports teams in building shared workflows that keep design tokens, components, and patterns consistent across tools, platforms, and codebases. It’s not just about handing things off — it’s about building systems together.

When to Use

When your system is moving from design into code, or scaling across multiple teams or platforms. Especially useful when establishing or evolving token pipelines, component libraries, or multi-platform frameworks.

Steps

1. Define shared workflows

   Align on how tokens and components move from design to code. Clarify where source of truth lives (e.g. Figma, GitHub, token management tools) and how updates are made and reviewed.

2. Involve engineering early

   Bring engineers in during component design, not after. Their input helps identify technical constraints, reusability opportunities, and integration needs from the start.

3. Establish a token pipeline

   Work together to define how design tokens are stored, named, and accessed in code — whether using tools like Token Studio, Style Dictionary, or a custom pipeline. Decide how themes, breakpoints, or platform variations will be handled.

4. Integrate tooling across teams

   Use shared tools and automation where possible — like GitHub, Figma plugins — to sync updates and reduce manual drift. Set up conventions for changelogs, versioning, and approvals.

5. Agree on testing and QA practices

   Build in lightweight checks to validate token values and component behaviour across design and code. Encourage shared ownership of quality between disciplines.

Outcomes

• Stronger alignment between design and engineering
• Fewer discrepancies between design and implementation
• Scalable workflows that support consistency across teams and platforms