The strategic design work that makes systems scalable and maintainable.
Token strategy. Component organisation. Documentation systems. Governance frameworks.
We're here to help you navigate the world of design systems, making it all about what works best for you and your team. We offer a suite of services designed to refine, implement, and manage your design system effectively.
Design structured token hierarchies in Figma Variables that your team will actually understand and use. We structure tokens in three layers: primitives (base values), semantics (contextual decisions), and component tokens (specific applications). Clear naming, logical organization, and documentation that makes token selection obvious. Engineers get implementation specifications and, optionally, a formatted JSON tokens file ready for Style Dictionary or build tools.
Reorganize OR your Figma library (or build it from scratch) so designers can actually find what they need. We create logical page structures, establish consistent naming patterns, and design variant strategies that make sense at scale. Clear organization, intuitive hierarchy, and component specifications that make both design and implementation straightforward.
Design documentation frameworks that your team will reference daily. We structure component usage guidelines, create pattern examples with context, and build decision frameworks for common questions. Clear information architecture, searchable organization, and templates for ongoing maintenance. Bonus: structured formats that AI tools can parse and query.
Create governance that enables designers instead of blocking them. We design contribution workflows, review criteria, and decision-making frameworks that maintain quality without requiring approval chains. Clear guidelines for when to use existing patterns versus proposing new ones, streamlined review processes, and maintenance models that scale.
Design specifications that make implementation straightforward. We document component behavior, create token-to-code mappings, and define interaction patterns with precision. Engineers get clear answers about states, variants, spacing, and responsive behavior. Designers get fewer implementation questions and more accurate builds.
Structure your design system to work with current tools and emerging capabilities. We design with Figma Variables, set up Code Connect mappings, and create component metadata that's queryable by AI assistants. Your system works better today with tools like GitHub Copilot and Claude – and stays compatible as tooling evolves.
Services
Whether you need clarity on what's broken, a complete architecture redesign, or embedded design systems leadership – we have a path forward. Fixed scope, clear deliverables, transparent pricing.
Get clarity on what's broken and a plan to fix it
Timeline
2 weeks
Investment
$3,000
Comprehensive Figma library evaluation
Token architecture analysis
Component organization audit
Documentation and handoff review
Governance and workflow assessment
Architecture Report PDF (Current state analysis, gaps and opportunities, prioritized recommendations)
Proposed Reorganization Plan (Page structure, naming conventions, variant strategies)
Implementation Roadmap (3-phase plan with timeline and priorities)
60-minute debrief call
Teams who know something's wrong but need diagnostic clarity. Get strategic direction and a concrete plan before committing to bigger changes.
Complete architecture redesign in Figma, ready for implementation
Timeline
4-8 weeks
Investment
$8,000
Design token hierarchy in Figma Variables
Component library restructuring
Component API specifications
Documentation framework setup
Governance model design
Redesigned Figma Library (New page structure, Variables setup, component organization)
Token Architecture Documentation (Tiered hierarchy with usage and constribution guidelines)
Component Specification API definitions, behavior docs, state documentation
Documentation Templates (Usage guidelines, pattern library structure)
Implementation Guide for Engineers (How to build from specs)
Optional: JSON tokens exports for build tools
Teams ready to overhaul their foundation. You get complete architectural redesign in Figma with clear specifications – your engineers handle implementation.
Your design team, on demand
Timeline
Ongoing
Investment
$3,500/mo
Unlimited requests (design systems and product feature work via organized task queue)
Design systems work (token architecture updates, component design and specs, library maintenance, documentation writing, governance support)
Product feature work (UI design for new features, component applications, design spec creation, design QA and reviews)
Async communication (Slack for questions, Trello/Notion board for task management, no required meetings)
Monthly strategy call (optional 60-minute check-in to review progress and align priorities)
Submit unlimited requests via your dedicated Trello board – we tackle one task at a time
Fast turnaround: Most requests completed in 1-3 days, complex projects in 1-2 weeks
Async-first: Communicate via Slack, no required meetings (optional monthly 60-min call available)
Transparent tracking: See exactly what's in progress, what's queued, and estimated completion
Flexible commitment: Pause subscription when you don't need it, resume when you do – no contracts or minimums
Teams who need ongoing design systems expertise and product design support without the commitment of a full-time hire. Submit work as needed, get lead-level execution, and keep your design system moving forward consistently.
No minimum commitment. Pause when you don't need us, resume when you do. Perfect for fluctuating workloads and evolving priorities.
Looking for strategic partnership with regular check-ins and team coaching? We also offer fractional design systems leadership engagements with bi-weekly calls, mentoring, and embedded support. Get in touch to discuss a custom arrangement.
We specialize in design systems architecture – the design-side work that makes systems actually usable.
We won't sell you work you don't need. Our goal is to understand the root problem, recommend the right solution (even if it's not working with us), and help you build a design system your team actually uses.
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to see if Schema Studio is the right partner for your team's next chapter.