Design systems export code packages (npm, CocoaPods, Maven) and Figma libraries that other teams depend on. To prevent breaking hundreds of apps, releases must follow Semantic Versioning (MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH):
1.2.1 $\rightarrow$ 1.2.2): Backward-compatible bug fixes or accessibility improvements that require no code changes from consuming squads (e.g., fixing an internal focus trap bug).1.2.0 $\rightarrow$ 1.3.0): New backward-compatible features, components, or optional props (e.g., adding a new size="compact" prop to Button).1.0.0 $\rightarrow$ 2.0.0): Breaking changes requiring manual squad refactoring (e.g., renaming prop onDismiss to onClose, or removing a deprecated component).Pro Tip: In Figma, treat library updates with the same gravity as code releases. Pushing a breaking component change without warning can disrupt dozens of designers mid-sprint.
Level 2 · Core Principles & Governance