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World Congress 2024 • Aug 20, 2024 • Session details

Insights from building the Canva Developers Platform to empower 185 million designers

Anto

How does Canva safely execute third-party code for 185 million users? Discover the sandboxed architecture, anti-corruption layers, and strict API governance powering their massive developer platform.

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#1 about 3 min

Scaling a design platform for millions of users

Rapid growth in user-generated designs necessitates bringing external developers into the ecosystem.

#2 about 2 min

Securing external code using sandbox iframes and message buses

The developer platform isolates third-party JavaScript bundles to protect users while facilitating communication via API clients.

#3 about 2 min

Decoupling internal product functionality with an anti-corruption layer

A mapping layer prevents internal product changes from breaking apps or deprecating public APIs.

#4 about 3 min

Refining APIs through continuous feedback and internal dogfooding

Conducting internal hackathons and preview releases uncovers bugs and usability issues early in the development cycle.

#5 about 4 min

Managing technical debt while iterating on API infrastructure

Adopting manual deployment processes early enables rapid iteration before investing in dedicated gateway services.

#6 about 3 min

Prioritizing platform development using specific application archetypes

Categorizing developer requests into distinct application types provides focus and justifies necessary API deprioritization.

#7 about 4 min

Designing outstanding APIs with simplicity, safety, and evolvability

Following strict design principles ensures long-term commitment to developer ecosystems without breaking existing integrations.

#8 about 4 min

Maintaining public API consistency with internal design groups

Establishing an API design group enables team autonomy while avoiding disconnected architectures shaped by system limitations.

#9 about 2 min

Summarizing key engineering lessons for platform API development

A review of the core practices for building robust APIs that keep user impact at the center of development.

Matching moments

1:43 min

Summarizing the organizational benefits of platform engineering

Christian Strack · LIVE

4:16 min

Balancing design freedom with framework accessibility restrictions

Chris Heilmann +2 · LIVE

3:41 min

Introduction to Canva and its developer application ecosystem

Lucille Tachet Lucille Tachet · WWC 2024

1:20 min

Pivoting product strategy toward platform engineering

Alejandro Albuerne Alejandro Albuerne · WWC Europe 2026

1:41 min

Designing internal developer platforms and product team responsibilities

Romano Roth Romano Roth · WWC 2025

5:12 min

Focusing on human connections and cohesive product stability

Lorenzo Pieri · WWC 2023

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