Smashing, the team behind some of the most thoughtfully produced events and articles in the web industry, is running a live online conference on December 1 dedicated to AI in design systems. The event aims to cut through the hype on both sides of the AI debate and instead focus on practical, demonstrated uses of AI in real design and development workflows.
Rather than abstract predictions, the conference promises hands on perspectives from people with direct experience applying AI to design systems work. Speakers include Brad Frost, Christine Vallaure, Vitaly Friedman, and TJ Pitre, all known for their deep expertise in design systems and front end craft.
Who It’s For
The session is pitched at anyone touching the design process, including:
- Designers building or maintaining design systems
- Front end developers implementing those systems
- Stakeholders who help shape design decisions
The focus is on showing, not just telling, how AI tools can realistically fit into existing workflows without derailing them.
Cost and Discount
Registration for the event costs 50 euros. CSS-Tricks readers can get a special discount using the code AITRICKSCSS at checkout. CSS-Tricks also received two free tickets to give away, which were offered to the first two people who commented on the original announcement post using a verifiable email address.
For WordPress site owners and web professionals weighing how (or whether) to integrate AI into their design and development process, this kind of focused, practitioner-led event offers a more grounded alternative to the broader AI hype cycle.