- Figma introduces a major UI redesign at Config, featuring a new toolbar, rounded corners, and 200 new icons.
- New generative AI tools enable rapid project creation, including mockups for apps and web interfaces.
- AI-enhanced features like asset search and text generation aim to streamline design workflows.
- Figma Slides, a new integrated feature, allows for seamless presentation creation within the platform.
- AI tools and Figma Slides enter limited beta with plans for official launches and pricing guidance.
Main AI News:
At its annual Config conference, Figma unveiled a significant overhaul aimed at redefining its platform for the future. The centerpiece of this announcement is a comprehensive UI redesign, marking the third major visual update since Figma’s inception. According to a blog post, this redesign aims to set the stage for the next decade by introducing a new toolbar, rounded corners, and an extensive collection of 200 new icons. The focus, Figma states, is to streamline the user interface, placing greater emphasis on user content while maintaining utility for both new adopters and seasoned users.
Among the standout features of the redesign is the introduction of powerful generative AI tools tailored to enhance project creation efficiency. These tools are designed to facilitate rapid prototyping and include functionalities such as automated app and web design mockups. During a demonstration, Figma’s Chief Product Officer Yuhki Yamashita showcased how the AI can swiftly generate detailed design concepts, such as mobile app interfaces with integrated functionalities like delivery service buttons.
In addition to these innovations, Figma is rolling out AI-enhanced features that streamline workflow tasks, such as intelligent asset search and auto-generated text placement in designs. The objective is to democratize design by lowering the barrier for entry while empowering experienced users to iterate more swiftly.
“We’re using AI to lower the floor and raise the ceiling,” remarked Yamashita in an interview with The Verge, echoing sentiments previously expressed by CEO Dylan Field.
The AI tools, initially launching in a limited beta phase starting Wednesday, will be available for experimentation by interested users. This beta period, slated to run until the end of the year, will offer free access to the AI features, albeit with potential usage limits. Figma plans to provide clear guidance on pricing once the features officially launch.
Addressing privacy concerns, Figma’s CTO Kris Rasmussen clarified that the AI models powering these features are trained using third-party AI models, ensuring that they do not utilize private user data from Figma files. However, Figma intends to introduce the capability for admins to control whether the AI can train on customer content, a move aimed at maintaining transparency and user control over data.
In addition to the AI enhancements, Figma is introducing a new integrated feature called Figma Slides, designed to simplify presentation creation directly within the platform. This feature responds to user demand for an official method to build and share presentations seamlessly.
Figma Slides will enter open beta alongside the AI tools, offering users the ability to create and present decks with interactive elements and real-time design adjustments. The feature will transition to a paid model upon official launch, reflecting Figma’s commitment to expanding functionality while maintaining sustainable business practices.
This year’s Config conference marks a pivotal moment for Figma, following the dissolution of Adobe’s proposed acquisition and subsequent payment of a significant breakup fee to Figma. The company’s strategic focus on AI integration and user-centric design enhancements underscores its determination to lead the next wave of innovation in digital collaboration tools.
As Figma prepares to usher in these transformative updates, designers and collaborators alike can anticipate a more intuitive, efficient, and creative platform experience in the months ahead.
Conclusion:
Figma’s strategic integration of AI-driven design tools and the introduction of Figma Slides at Config signify a bold step towards enhancing user productivity and creative capabilities in digital design. By lowering barriers for new users and empowering experienced designers to iterate faster, Figma is poised to strengthen its position in the competitive landscape of collaborative design platforms. The emphasis on privacy-conscious AI training and clear user control further underscores Figma’s commitment to transparency and user trust, potentially setting a new standard in AI-powered design tools across the market.
