Building a Localization-Ready Design System: A Case Study on Figma Variables and Design Tokens
By
[email protected] (Rebecca Hemstad & Mark Malek)
1y ago· 12 min readenInsight
56/100
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Summary
This case study explores how designers Rebecca and Mark built a localization-ready design system for global audiences using Figma Variables and design tokens. It covers solutions for multilingual design challenges including text overflow handling, RTL (right-to-left) layout support, and font consistency across languages. The article also discusses Figma's limitations in this space and the practical workarounds developed to create dynamic, scalable designs that adapt across languages, themes, and densities.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledLearn how two designers tackled the challenges of building a localization-ready design system for a global audience.
They share key lessons learned and the hurdles they faced — including Figma's limitations — along with the solutions they developed to create dynamic, scalable designs.
Rebecca and Mark combined Figma Variables and design tokens to address multilingual design issues, such as text overflow, RTL layouts, and font inconsistencies.
Learn how two designers tackled the challenges of building a localization-ready design system for a global audience. This case study dives into how Rebecca and Mark combined Figma Variables and design tokens to address multilingual design issues, such as