The world of design systems is in a constant state of flux, and Zeroheight’s “Design Systems Report 2025” offers a comprehensive look at where things stand—and where they might be headed. Based on insights from nearly 300 designers, engineers, and product professionals, the report highlights the exciting progress being made, while also acknowledging the persistent challenges that many teams still face.
The Rise of Design Tokens
First, the good news: design tokens have officially hit the mainstream. In fact, 84% of teams are now using them, signaling their overwhelming popularity. For those not familiar with the term, design tokens are a powerful tool for ensuring consistency across design and development teams. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes agents that keep your brand’s visual identity intact, preventing any unexpected hiccups when transitioning from design to code.
Design tokens are quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern design systems, and their widespread adoption is a reflection of how critical they’ve become in today’s workflow. They enable smoother collaboration, reduce errors, and ensure that design specifications stay aligned across the board. It’s clear that tokens are not just a trend—they’re here to stay.
The Hurdles Still in Play
However, as with any growing field, there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome. While dedicated design system teams are on the rise, resource shortages continue to plague many organizations. In fact, a significant number of teams are working with fewer people than they’d ideally need, forcing them to stretch their resources thin. Imagine trying to create a full-course meal with a microwave and a toaster—this is often the reality for design teams struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing design system.
Another ongoing challenge is communication. Despite the clear value that design systems provide, getting everyone on board—especially leadership—remains a tough sell. Even after securing buy-in from the higher-ups, ensuring that design systems are fully embraced and consistently used across the company can be a logistical nightmare. The importance of clear communication and effective training cannot be overstated, but it’s easier said than done.
Automation: Still a Work in Progress
One of the biggest promises of design systems has been automation—creating workflows that are seamless and efficient. In theory, everything from design tokens to updates and revisions could be automatically synced across tools and platforms. In practice, however, automation is still a distant dream for many teams. While some progress has been made, most design teams are still working to figure out how to integrate their design tokens into different tools without pulling their hair out in frustration.
The hope is that, by 2026, automation will be far more advanced, allowing design systems to function more like well-oiled machines. But for now, teams are still navigating the complexities of synchronization, with many still relying on manual processes.
AI: The New Kid on the Block
Artificial intelligence is slowly making its way into design systems, but it’s still very much in its infancy. As of now, only about 10% of teams are actively using AI in their design systems. Most of the use cases are centered around documentation and idea generation, but the potential for AI to revolutionize design workflows is enormous. While AI may not yet be a game-changer for design systems, it’s clear that it could play a major role in the future. Whether it’s streamlining repetitive tasks or generating design suggestions, AI could become the ultimate assistant for teams looking to improve efficiency and creativity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Design Systems
So, what’s the big takeaway from the 2025 report? Design systems are evolving, and despite a few setbacks, they’re on an exciting trajectory. More teams are embracing design tokens, dedicated system teams are becoming more common, and there’s a growing push for better automation. However, resource constraints, communication gaps, and the still-elusive promise of fully automated systems remain significant challenges.
The future looks promising, though. As teams continue to grow and mature, and as AI technology evolves, we’re likely to see even more innovation in the world of design systems. There’s no doubt that the field will continue to evolve, and with the right tools and strategies, design systems could one day operate seamlessly and automatically—creating a streamlined, efficient workflow that empowers teams to focus on what truly matters: design.
For now, it’s clear that design systems are here to stay. They’re growing, adapting, and shaping the future of digital design in meaningful ways. As the industry continues to evolve, we can only imagine what the next few years will bring—and how close we’ll get to achieving the fully automated, perfectly synchronized design system of our dreams.
