As a tenured’d UXer currently in ML, i’m focused on thinking of ways that ML can improve and influence developer workflows. After the announcements from Config this year I'm thrilled by the sheer potential of AI for design. This wasn't just another tech conference; it was a glimpse into a future where AI isn't just a tool, but a true design partner.
Figma's announcements reinforced what we've been seeing across the industry. Here are a few of the standouts that I can’t wait to experiment with in my workflow.
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Creative Catalyst: Getting over the blank canvas, Config made it clear AI isn't replacing designers; it's expanding our creative capabilities. Tools like "Make Designs" and Visual Search are like having an on-demand brainstorming partner, ready to generate layouts, explore visual styles, and spark new ideas. I love the idea of developing slide presentations and connecting the work right into the designs.
Productivity Powerhouse: AI is automating the mundane, freeing us from tedious tasks like language translations, responsive layouts, and content generation that allows us to focus on the strategic and conceptual aspects of design that truly make a difference. This will be a pivotal partner as we shift and shape the future of UX.
Collaboration ++: Figma's AI-powered collaboration features, like improved Dev Mode and AI-driven annotations, are breaking down silos between designers and developers, leading to smoother workflows and better products.
Figma Config Highlights: A Glimpse into the Future
Visual Search: This AI-powered search function is a game-changer, enabling designers to quickly find relevant components, layouts, and inspiration within their team's Figma files. It's like having a personal design librarian! I wish I had this MANY years ago.
Make and Prototype Designs: This feature allows designers to generate UI layouts and component options based on text prompts, providing a jumpstart for new projects and helping us break free from creative blocks. This was further solidified by the ability to quickly generate prototypes getting our work in front of users faster to build internal momentum and confidence.
Dev Mode Enhancements: The improved Dev Mode is a major win for collaboration. New features like the Ready for Dev view and Focus View make it easier than ever for designers and developers to work together seamlessly.
Figma Slides: As I navigate my design career I feel like I LIVE in slides to communicate design with partners that help us make and share across functions. Figma slides share some exciting new features that bring the power of Figma's design tools to presentations, enabling us to create visually stunning and interactive slide decks that seamlessly integrate with our design workflows.
What i’m keeping in mind with the proliferation of these new tools…
I see AI as a transformative force that will elevate the entire design profession. Helping designers focus on the intersection of user needs and business value rather than the time intensive copy+paste workflows that keep us organized and or teams aligned. We are ready to turbo charge the creation of solutions that matter to users and drive business results .Here's how we can integrate design into this AI-powered future:
Embrace experimentation: Don't be afraid to try new AI-powered tools and workflows. Technology is evolving rapidly, and the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to get your hands into the tools and experimenting.
Invest in the basics skills: You have to know the rules before you break them. Leverage the knowledge built over time to integrate AI into your workflows. As AI takes over more routine tasks, focus on developing your skills in areas like critical thinking, storytelling, and user research. These are the human-centric skills that will become even more valuable in the AI era.
Lead the ethical charge: Designers have a responsibility to use AI ethically and advocate for fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in the design process. Don’t just rely on AI to solve problems around ethics, trust and safety. Lead the charge by ensuring your designs are shaping the future responsibly.
Figma Config 2024 reinforced my conviction that AI is poised to revolutionize the way we design. By embracing AI as a creative partner, we can unlock new levels of innovation, collaboration, and impact. Let's shape the future of design together, with AI as our trusted co-pilot.
Join the conversation, I want to hear from you:
How do you envision AI impacting your day-to-day design workflow?
Which AI-powered design tools are you most excited to try?
How can designers ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly in the creative process?
What unique challenges and opportunities does AI present for design leaders?
Thanks for reading Designing for Tomorrow: UX, AI and Career! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
