AI is reshaping the landscape of design systems, with practitioners feeling "cautiously optimistic" about its impact. However, there remains a disconnect between leadership expectations and the practical realities of integrating AI into workflows, emphasizing the need to redefine roles and focus on using AI as a tool to enhance design system strategies rather than merely as a means for output production.

The article discusses the concept of a pre-mortem as a strategy for design system teams to identify potential pitfalls and challenges before they occur. It emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and collaboration among team members to enhance the effectiveness of design systems. By anticipating problems, teams can better align their efforts and improve overall outcomes.