The reason why I need to have a solid understanding of software engineering.
Startups increasingly value the role because it allows small teams to move fast without sacrificing quality. One Design Engineer can do the work that might otherwise require dedicated designers and frontend engineers.
Design systems built by people who understand both design and engineering are more likely to actually get used. They're designed for real implementation.
When the person implementing understands design intent deeply, details don't get lost. Animations feel right. Spacing is precise. The product feels polished.
