I agree. On reflection, I'd also add that I do design systems "data first" however to me this doesn't mean "database first". It's important to think about how

I agree. On reflection, I'd also add that I do design systems "data first" however to me this doesn't mean "database first". It's important to think about how data flows through the system, how it gets transformed, and what parts of the system "own" which data. All of this requires understanding of the boundaries of the various systems that make up the whole, which I think is exactly your point.