The piece discusses the evolving landscape of design systems, emphasizing their importance in creating cohesive user experiences across platforms. It highlights the need for flexibility and adaptability in design practices to meet the demands of diverse digital environments and user needs. Future trends in design systems are explored, focusing on collaboration, automation, and integration with emerging technologies.

Designing for emotional residue, rather than just functional outcomes, is becoming crucial as automation and AI change product development. Emotional residue—the lasting feelings users have after interacting with a product—can distinguish successful products in a market where functionality is increasingly commoditized. By prioritizing emotional quality and collaboration across teams, companies can create meaningful experiences that drive user loyalty and advocacy.