The design-dev gap causes more project delays than technical complexity. Collaboration practices matter as much as tools.
Shared Vocabulary
Agree on terms: "component", "token", "variant", "breakpoint." When designers and developers use the same words, miscommunication drops.
Early Involvement
Include developers in design reviews. They'll flag implementation challenges before designs are finalized.
Regular Sync
15-minute daily standups between design and dev leads catch issues early. Review in-progress implementations together, not just finished designs.
The best handoff is no handoff — it's continuous collaboration.