Reddit: Proto, Internal Prototyping Tool, Fully Adopted

Reddit has developed Reddit Proto, an internal prototyping tool linked to code through a design system. Led by Blair Metcalf, it boasts full adoption within the UX and product teams and already powers over 700 prototypes. An ecosystem surrounding the tool, which includes Cursor, Figma, and Kubernetes, is mentioned, with infrastructure inspired by Vercel.

A Foundation of Tools from Design to Deployment

Several tools are mentioned in relation to Reddit Proto: Cursor, Figma, Figma's MCP integration, and Code Connect, as well as Gemini and ChatGPT. For internal deployment infrastructure, Vercel is cited as a source of inspiration, and Kubernetes is also mentioned. The workflow includes targeted editing through annotations in Cursor, which can be transformed into code changes.

An Internal Tool Linked to Code and Widely Used

Blair Metcalf, the principal user experience engineer at Reddit, designed Reddit Proto, the company's internal prototyping system. This tool relies on a design system called MCP, which bridges Reddit's product language and the code used in production. Reddit Proto is utilized 100% by the UX and product teams and has over 700 active prototypes. The feedback provides detailed insights into the implementation and internal adoption of the tool.

Governance of Prototypes and Transfer Method

Reddit's management reviews and provides feedback on the prototypes created with Proto. The transfer to engineers occurs via a feature capsule. The construction of a custom MCP is explained, along with the preference for using real data rather than fictional data. Blair Metcalf discusses the creation of a "Rosetta Stone" for the project and presents a solution when AI goes off track. A demonstration of Reddit Proto is also offered, and the identity of Reddit's top prototypers is addressed.