Design systems have helped create consistency but they have not done enough to support prototyping. Designers are still limited by the tools available to them. Most systems provide a UI kit, instructions on how components work, and some code snippets for developers. Few go beyond this to support rapid prototyping and testing.
Developers rarely work closely enough with design to help produce testable outputs. Designers are left working in isolation without working prototypes while still expected to test and validate ideas.
Some teams are investing in better tools but most of what is being discussed still sounds theoretical. There is little that has actually landed. With the current focus on AI, many stakeholders are hesitant to invest in more foundational improvements.
AI is likely where the biggest opportunity lies. A well defined design system already includes the rules. Designers should be able to describe what they need and the system should be able to build it. There is no need to redraw or re spec every time a new feature is added.
Even without AI, a simple builder should be achievable. Not a chat interface. Just a basic drag and drop system driven by the design system where a designer can select components and apply properties. It should not even require a designer but to prevent abuse and poor decisions designers should still be in control. A working prototype should be easy to create.
Coded and interactive would be ideal. Even if it uses dummy data it should be realistic enough to test and get real feedback. That feedback should be tracked through interaction data and human observation. Findings can then be shared, iterated on, and tested again.
Tools should get out of the way. The goal is to understand problems and design the right solution. Designers who care about visuals can contribute by refining components in the system. Those interested in interaction can focus on motion and behaviour. Those focused on UX can work faster with better tools.
There is value in getting something on screen quickly. Watching users interact with an idea and seeing where it works or fails is what matters. The process, tools, and systems exist to support that, not get in the way.
If you work on a design system ask what more you could be doing to get ideas into users hands faster.