How AI + MCP Server Will Automate Multi-Brand Design at Scale

TL;DR

• Design tokens laid the foundation for scalable systems. But tokens alone can’t manage multi-brand complexity.

• Enter Model Context Protocol (MCP) - a bridge that allows tools like Figma to talk to AI models in real time.

• Combining AI + MCP means automated brand adaptation, instant audits, and design governance at scale.

• The future isn’t just token management - it’s intelligent orchestration of design across ecosystems.

Recap from Part 1: Why Tokens Weren’t Enough

In my previous post, we explored why multi-brand design systems hit a wall when scaling with just tokens. Tokens standardised colours, typography, spacing but when multiple brands, different markets, and custom experiences enter the chat, complexity skyrockets.

We asked:

Tokens helped. But the reality? They still require a ton of human intervention: updating Figma libraries, checking overrides, pushing changes across themes.

That’s where AI steps in. But not alone.

Enter MCP: What It Is and Why It Matters

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a framework that lets design tools (like Figma) communicate with AI models via local servers. Think of it as an intelligent translator that brings structured data (tokens, components, brand rules) into AI reasoning pipelines.

In simple terms:

Without MCP 🙂 :
Your design tool and AI are in different rooms, yelling through the wall.

With MCP 😍 : 
They’re sitting at the same table, sharing the same whiteboard.

This protocol means Figma can pull context from your design system, send it to an AI model and get precise instructions back. All in real time.

A concrete example? “On June 4, 2025: Figma released its Dev Mode MCP Server in beta a middleware that lets AI-powered IDE tools pull real design data directly from Figma (components, tokens, layouts) and generate accurate code. It’s a glimpse of the auto-orchestrated, context-aware design systems we’ll unpack here.”

The Multi-Brand Challenge, Reimagined

Picture this:

Today:
You open Figma, manually adjust tokens, update components, check overrides, QA across brands. - That’s hours, if not days.

Tomorrow with AI + MCP:
• AI reads your design tokens + component metadata via MCP.
• You type: “Update all primary CTAs across brands to 16px corner radius.”
• AI executes in seconds.
• Bonus: It even runs visual regression checks and flags anomalies.

and that’s the difference between manual governance and intelligent automation.

What MCP Enables for Design Systems

Here’s where things get exciting:

✅ Real-Time Brand Adaptation
Want to generate localized brand themes for new markets? AI does it instantly while respecting brand tokens and accessibility rules.

✅ Automated Audits & Governance
AI checks for consistency across 10+ brands. Missing token linkage? Deprecated component? You know before launch.

✅ Multi-Tool Sync
Figma is just the start. MCP connects to code repos, content systems and analytics tools so your design system becomes an orchestrated network, not a siloed library.

✅ Scalable Experimentation
Spin up brand variants for A/B testing without touching your core library. AI handles duplication, naming, and cleanup.

What Does This Mean for Designers?

It’s easy to think:

Here’s the truth:
• AI automates the repetitive.
• Designers orchestrate the creative. geddit? 🙃 

Your role shifts from pixel pusher to system strategist. You’ll set rules, define intent, and curate experiences. The real skill? Knowing what to delegate and how to supervise AI outputs.

How to Prepare for This Shift

✅ Learn MCP basics
Understand the bridge, even if you’re not coding.

✅ Think in systems, not screens 
Tokens, rules, and governance will matter more.

✅ Experiment early 
Tools like Figma MCP integration and local AI servers are already here for developers and power users.

Closing Thought

The future of design systems isn’t static. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem powered by AI orchestration.

1️⃣ Tokens were the first step. 2️⃣ MCP is the next leap.

And those who master it? They’ll be the architects of a new design era - one where multi-brand complexity doesn’t slow us down, it scales intelligently.

Coming Next: I’m planning a step-by-step guide to the Dev Mode MCP Server in Figma. If you’re interested, drop an “I want to learn” in the comments section.

👉 Subscribe here to get the free UX prompt guide for designing with AI and join the exploration.