The Future of AI-assisted Design Systems: Predictions and Use Cases

AI is revolutionizing design systems, transforming how teams create, manage, and scale their workflows. It’s no longer a question of if AI will reshape design systems but how. From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing accessibility and personalization, AI is redefining the design process. The State of AI in Design Systems 2024 Report dives into these advancements, uncovering how organizations are beginning to embrace AI, where the opportunities lie, and what challenges remain.

If you’re exploring how AI fits into your design system, here’s a closer look at what our research revealed and predictions for the future.

AI adoption: A slow start but strong potential

The State of AI in Design Systems 2024 Report found that 53% of organizations currently have no immediate plans to integrate AI into their design systems. Concerns around privacy, lack of expertise, and budget constraints remain significant barriers. However, there’s clear interest in exploring AI’s potential. Documentation generation (63%) and workflow automation (71%) top the list of anticipated use cases, signaling that teams see AI as a solution to tedious, time-consuming tasks.

Teams aren’t waiting for perfection—they’re experimenting. Designers and developers are using AI to improve design-to-code workflows, generate accessible palettes, and even audit design files for consistency. These early efforts are setting the stage for broader adoption in the years to come.

Predictions: How will AI transform design systems?

1. Integrated, Intelligent Workflows

AI tools will evolve beyond isolated features, becoming fully integrated into design systems. Future tools will provide guided workflows, offer real-time suggestions, and help teams automate complex processes like token management or accessibility audits. These integrations will save time while ensuring consistency across products.

2. Dynamic Personalization

AI will empower design systems to deliver hyper-personalized experiences by leveraging predictive analytics and user behavior data. Imagine components that adapt in real time to user preferences or designs that automatically adjust for accessibility needs. This level of customization will elevate user experience to new heights.

3. Automated Governance and Compliance

As design systems grow in complexity, governance becomes critical. AI will play a key role in auditing systems for compliance, flagging accessibility issues, and ensuring adherence to guidelines. These tools will give teams peace of mind, knowing their systems meet the highest standards.

4. Accessibility at the Core

Our research highlights accessibility as a rising priority. Designers are calling for AI-powered tools that go beyond contrast checks to provide comprehensive accessibility insights. These tools will help teams create inclusive designs from the start, benefiting users across diverse needs and abilities.

Use cases: What are teams doing now with AI?

AI is already making an impact in design systems. Here are three of the most common use cases from our State of AI in Design Systems 2024 Report:

Documentation Generation

AI tools like ChatGPT help teams create, update, and translate documentation faster than ever. These tools free designers to focus on creativity instead of repetitive content creation.

Automated Component and Token Management

Teams use AI to streamline component creation and token updates, ensuring consistency across platforms. This automation reduces manual errors and speeds up iterations.

Design-to-Code Workflows

AI bridges the gap between design and development by generating production-ready code directly from design files. These tools accelerate handoffs and minimize back-and-forth revisions.

If you are interested in exploring what are the more popular AI tools, how teams use AI in their workflows and further findings, get the full State of AI in Design Systems 2024 Report.

AI is not here to replace designers but to collaborate with them. The future of AI-assisted design systems is about partnership, where AI handles repetitive tasks, audits systems for consistency, and provides insights that empower teams to create exceptional experiences. Organizations will have the opportunity to reimagine their design systems, making them smarter, more intuitive, and more inclusive.

The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are endless. How will your team embrace AI in your design workflows? Let’s start the conversation!