Design Systems: Past, Present, and Future
Q3 2025 Sparkbox Unconference
We’ve been putting those two words (“design” and “system”) together for quite a while now. It’s time to consider where we’ve been, where we are, and what we can do to sustainably shape where we’re going.
This Unconference was a deep dive into the challenges we’re facing as a practice and how we can deliver on the promises we’ve made to create real impact with our design system programs. We started by looking at the history that got us to this point. Then we expanded on the current state of design systems in organizations today. Finally, we discussed where design systems are headed and what we can do to responsibly shape that future.
Part 1: Where we’ve been
- Origin story of design systems
- Simple → Complex
- Asset focused
Part 2: Where we are
- Complex → Simple
- Layers of impact
- Tactical + strategic = lasting impact
- AI as a helper (double diamond)
Part 3: Where we’re going
- Smaller teams, bigger impact
- AI as a peer
- Deterministic vs stochastic
- Context engineering
- Systems for humans and robots
Is this for you?
This event is for design system practitioners and leaders who are looking for:
- opportunities to increase the impact of your existing system
- a view into where design systems are headed
- connection to a strong community of system thinkers
What is the format?
This was a collaborative learning session. Ben Callahan (founder of Sparkbox, Redwoods, and The Question) presented and facilitated a discussion with attendees who came ready to share their experiences and learn from the community!
Join Redwoods, a design system community.
Sign up for The Question, a weekly design system deep dive.
Explore more of my writing and speaking.
Or, inquire about design system coaching