Breaking changes in design tokens can disrupt existing implementations, causing visual and functional issues. Examples include renaming tokens, removing them, altering their structure, or changing their types. These changes require developers to adjust their code, unlike non-breaking changes, which don’t necessitate any action. Poorly managed breaking changes can lead to broken interfaces and decreased trust in the design system. A structured approach to managing these changes involves three phases: deprecation, migration, and removal. First, mark the affected tokens as deprecated, providing a clear timeline for when they will be removed and suggesting alternatives. For instance, if a token is renamed, update the documentation to reflect this change and communicate the deprecation through various channels. During the migration phase, keep both the old and new tokens available, offer migration guides, and consider providing automated tools to assist developers in the transition. Finally, once the migration period ends, remove the deprecated tokens from the codebase, publish a major version release, and document the changes in the changelog. It's essential to communicate throughout the process to minimize disruption and respect developers’ time. By following these guidelines, teams can manage breaking changes effectively, ensuring the design system evolves without alienating its users.