Recently, Figma’s Config event unveiled new AI features that are set to revolutionise how we use the application. These innovations promise to enhance our design workflow significantly, providing a head start on projects and offering continuous support throughout the design process.
But to understand why Figma integrated AI, we need to revisit the acquisition of Diagram in 2023. Diagram aimed to infuse Figma with AI capabilities through various plugins designed to generate text, icons, and visuals directly within the design interface. This innovation significantly streamlines the process, eliminating the need to search for these assets online. One of their plugins, aptly named Magician, truly lived up to its name by bringing a touch of magic to the design process.
One year later, the value of the acquisition is becoming evident. Figma has introduced multiple new AI features, including capabilities for copywriting, designing, renaming, translating, and more. Some of these features streamline and refine the design process, while others enhance our role as curators, both visually and in terms of copywriting.
Some key AI Features:
The most significant announcement from the Config event was the introduction of AI-generated mockups. Similar to other AI tools, users can generate prompts to create preliminary designs, jumpstarting the creative process and guiding designers in new directions.
In addition to creating draft mockups, the AI can populate designs with actual content, generating visuals and producing well-written text to replace placeholder text like lorem ipsum.
Figma has also enhanced its already powerful prototyping capabilities. By integrating AI, the platform now further streamlines the prototyping phase, reducing the need for some of the more manual and repetitive tasks.
Additional Noteworthy Features:
- Background Removal: This tool eliminates the need for external image manipulation software like Photoshop, allowing users to remove backgrounds from images seamlessly and stay focused on their design work.
- Automatic Layer Renaming: This feature, a personal favorite, allows the AI to name all created layers automatically. It saves considerable time when finalizing designs and preparing them for handoff to other designers or developers.
- Auto Layout Update: The AI assists with setting up auto layout parameters, removing the need to configure each component individually. This enhancement simplifies the process and increases efficiency.
- AI-Powered Text Rewriting and Translation: For designers working in multiple languages, this feature is invaluable. It eliminates the need for external translation tools, streamlining the workflow.
How will this impact designers?
The integration of AI into Figma was expected, as most leading design companies have embraced AI in some form. While these new features may be seen as controversial by some, they offer significant benefits to designers. The time-saving capabilities are undeniable—eliminating the need to use Photoshop for background removal, relying on Google Translate for translations, or searching extensively for the perfect visual element. Everything is now accessible within a single program, streamlining the workflow.
AI is undoubtedly here to stay. While it will not replace the creative mind of the designer, it will enhance creativity and allow designers to focus more on curating and refining their work. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, AI frees designers to concentrate on the more nuanced aspects of their projects—such as conceptual development, aesthetic refinement, and user experience considerations. This shift not only increases efficiency but also fosters a more innovative and thoughtful design process.
Moreover, the integration of AI tools into a unified platform like Figma ensures a seamless workflow, reducing the need to switch between different applications. This consolidation leads to better consistency in design and allows for real-time collaboration and iteration, ultimately resulting in higher quality outcomes.
In essence, AI serves as a powerful ally to designers, augmenting their abilities and enabling them to push the boundaries of creativity while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. The future of design, enriched by AI, promises a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and technological advancement.
