At this year’s Config conference, Figma, the renowned web interface design application, announced a significant redesign alongside a suite of new AI-powered tools designed to simplify and accelerate design workflows. This overhaul marks Figma’s third major redesign, introducing a fresh visual style, new functionality, and a robust set of AI capabilities aimed at enhancing user experience.
The latest redesign of Figma brings a modernized visual style featuring rounded corners, an updated toolbar, and a substantial addition of 200 new icons. This visual refresh aims to provide a cleaner and more intuitive interface, making navigation and tool access more straightforward for both new and experienced users.
Key Visual Updates:
- Rounded Corners: The new design embraces a softer look with rounded corners, creating a more approachable and user-friendly interface.
- Updated Toolbar: The toolbar has been redesigned for better accessibility and efficiency, helping users quickly find and utilize essential tools.
- New Icons: An impressive collection of 200 new icons has been added, offering more options and flexibility for designers.
Figma’s foray into AI introduces innovative tools that parallel features found in other applications’ “draft an email” capabilities. These AI-powered tools are crafted to streamline everyday design tasks, making the design process faster and more efficient.
AI-Powered Tools:
- AI-Enhanced Asset Search: This feature leverages artificial intelligence to improve the search functionality, making it easier to locate design assets quickly and accurately.
- Auto-Generated Text: Figma introduces an AI-based text generation feature that replaces the standard Lorem ipsum placeholder text with contextually relevant content, saving designers time and effort.
These AI tools will be available for free during the beta phase. However, Figma has indicated that there may be usage limits once the tools are officially launched. The company has committed to providing transparent pricing details ahead of the full release.
One of the most anticipated additions is Figma Slides, a feature that allows users to create and share presentations directly within the Figma app. This new functionality eliminates the need for external tools or workarounds previously used to create slide-like presentations.
Figma Slides Highlights:
- Integrated Presentation Creation: Users can create presentation slides within Figma, seamlessly integrating design elements without affecting the original files.
- Real-Time Design Changes: Presentations can be updated in real-time, allowing for collaborative editing and immediate feedback.
- App Prototype Presentation: Figma Slides enables the inclusion of app prototypes within presentation decks, removing the need for separate screen recordings.
- Interactive Features: Users can add interactive elements such as polls and alignment scales, enhancing audience engagement and interaction.
Figma’s Developer Mode also receives a significant upgrade with new features aimed at ensuring that final products accurately reflect the developer’s intent. The addition of a “ready for dev” task list is particularly noteworthy.
Developer Mode Features:
- “Ready for Dev” Task List: This feature helps developers track tasks and ensure that all design elements are finalized and ready for implementation.
- Enhanced Collaboration Tools: Improved collaboration features allow for better communication and coordination between designers and developers.
The redesigned interface, along with the new features, is currently available to beta testers. Figma has opened a waiting list for those eager to try out the new tools and interface. The beta testing phase will continue through the end of the year, allowing users to provide feedback and help refine the final product.
| Feature | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redesigned Interface | Beta Testers Now | Waiting list open for new testers |
| AI-Powered Tools | Beta Testers Now | Free during beta, pricing details to follow |
| Figma Slides | Beta Testers Now | Integrated presentation creation |
| Enhanced Developer Mode | Beta Testers Now | New “ready for dev” task list |
- Modern Visual Style: Rounded corners, updated toolbar, and 200 new icons.
- AI-Powered Tools: Enhanced asset search and auto-generated text.
- Figma Slides: Integrated presentation creation with real-time updates and interactive features.
- Developer Mode Enhancements: New task list and collaboration tools.
Figma’s latest update, showcased at the Config conference, represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the web interface design app. By combining a sleek new visual style with powerful AI tools and innovative features like Figma Slides, the company aims to enhance the productivity and creativity of its users. As the beta phase progresses, Figma will continue to refine these tools based on user feedback, ensuring a polished and efficient design experience for all.
This comprehensive update reaffirms Figma’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design, positioning it as a leading tool in the web interface design landscape. With the introduction of AI capabilities and integrated presentation tools, Figma not only simplifies the design process but also opens up new possibilities for collaboration and creativity in the design community.
Featured Image courtesy of Bloomberg