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Issue no.13: All systems go

Figma
Abstract network with branching nodes interconnected organically, two of them framing a handprint and a person’s side profile.Abstract network with branching nodes interconnected organically, two of them framing a handprint and a person’s side profile.

When things move fast, foundations matter more than ever.

Share Issue no.13: All systems go

Illustrations by Hugo Bernier

Design systems act as a force multiplier, extending taste, quality, and design intent as you push ideas further. And with AI in the mix, strong systems make every output better. Here’s how we’re helping you put that into practice.

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Unlocking design systems

At Schema by Figma, our design systems conference, one idea stood out: Design systems aren’t just for people anymore—they’re for AI, too. From bringing design system context into Figma Make, to improving agentic coding workflows with our MCP server, we shared new ways to extend the reach of design systems for more reliable outputs. Catch up on all our updates, and how they’ll help us build in a new era of intelligent tools.

Illustration reading “Schema by Figma” against a blue background with a bottom border of overlapping orange circles in teal rectangular framesIllustration reading “Schema by Figma” against a blue background with a bottom border of overlapping orange circles in teal rectangular frames

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Graphic featuring the word 'schema' in large lowercase letters on a maroon rectangle with light blue text, and 'by Figma' beneath it in smaller light blue text. The background is solid blue, with a pattern of stacked orange semicircles against light blue rectangles rising from the bottom right.Graphic featuring the word 'schema' in large lowercase letters on a maroon rectangle with light blue text, and 'by Figma' beneath it in smaller light blue text. The background is solid blue, with a pattern of stacked orange semicircles against light blue rectangles rising from the bottom right.

Schema 2025: Design systems for a new era

Design systems help teams push what’s possible while maintaining a high level of craft, polish, and performance. Here’s everything we announced at Schema by Figma to help teams design for the AI era.

Forging new paths

New tools open up new possibilities. With Figma Make, teams are rethinking how they design—moving faster, working in code, and collaborating more fluidly. At Maven Clinic, Pendo, ServiceNow, and LinkedIn, that’s transforming how they deploy their design systems and define PRDs.

Illustration of a plant snaking through a gazebo structure, ending in round nodes and flowers.Illustration of a plant snaking through a gazebo structure, ending in round nodes and flowers.

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An illustration of an abstract geometric structure shows a gazebo connected to larger scaffolding, entwined by white vine-like branches that end in green spheres and flowers.An illustration of an abstract geometric structure shows a gazebo connected to larger scaffolding, entwined by white vine-like branches that end in green spheres and flowers.

4 ways for design teams to chart new territory with Figma Make

From redrawing product roadmaps to building starter templates, these Figma Make ideas from Maven Clinic, Pendo, ServiceNow, and LinkedIn show how designers can prompt a path forward.

Clarifying context

With AI-assisted coding tools becoming part of everyday workflows, designers need to focus on context: how their files, systems, and annotations help others (and AI) make sense of their work. Here are some best practices to keep in mind.

Abstract illustration of blue, squiggly shapes threading through a green grid.Abstract illustration of blue, squiggly shapes threading through a green grid.

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Abstract digital artwork with bold blocks of blue, green, and red forming organic shapes within a grid.Abstract digital artwork with bold blocks of blue, green, and red forming organic shapes within a grid.

Why you should care about design context

As developers increasingly use agentic coding tools, the structure and clarity of design files matters more than ever. By thoughtfully organizing your work, you can help your developer counterparts build more efficiently and accurately.

Rabbit hole

1) Blocky letter As sit on top of a blue-green color grid 2) An illustration of a person in a yellow chef’s jacket and white chef’s hat sprinkling salt into a pot of stew 3) an AI chat box with placeholder text reading, “It’s a big question, but let yourself go there.”1) Blocky letter As sit on top of a blue-green color grid 2) An illustration of a person in a yellow chef’s jacket and white chef’s hat sprinkling salt into a pot of stew 3) an AI chat box with placeholder text reading, “It’s a big question, but let yourself go there.”

1. Read up on our best design systems content

Design systems: From the basics to big things ahead

To prepare for Schema 2025, we combed through Shortcut archives to pull together our design systems greatest hits.

, from 101s to future automation with AI.

2. When so much is changing, how do design leaders build resilient teams? Here are 7 ways to help designers adapt.

Colorful cartoon-style illustration of a lively kitchen scene. Anthropomorphic characters are cooking and preparing food alongside humans. One character stirs a pot, another reads a recipe, and another washes dishes. A cat peers through a round window in a yellow door marked 'EXIT.' Kitchen items like flour, eggs, carrots, and utensils are scattered across the counters. The background includes a stove, sink, tropical plant, and a framed landscape picture.Colorful cartoon-style illustration of a lively kitchen scene. Anthropomorphic characters are cooking and preparing food alongside humans. One character stirs a pot, another reads a recipe, and another washes dishes. A cat peers through a round window in a yellow door marked 'EXIT.' Kitchen items like flour, eggs, carrots, and utensils are scattered across the counters. The background includes a stove, sink, tropical plant, and a framed landscape picture.

How to build a resilient design team

In an environment that demands speed and agility, how do you build a team that’s resilient to change, no matter what’s around the corner?

3. Prompting a prototype is an art in itself. Just ask our Figma Make-a-thon winners

6 winning Figma Makes—and what you can learn from them

Winners from our first global Make-a-thon offer insights on how to prototype smarter, structure products better, and push Figma Make further.

, who shared their top strategies for bringing their idea to life.

The last word

“A designer’s superpower is being able to turn ideas and conversations into something tangible.” —Loric Avanessian, Product Design Manager, Maven Clinic“A designer’s superpower is being able to turn ideas and conversations into something tangible.” —Loric Avanessian, Product Design Manager, Maven Clinic

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