Unlocking New Possibilities with Figma
Have you seen Figma’s latest enhancements? Boy, are they something to talk about! 🚀 These are not just shiny add-ons, but fundamental game changers.
Advanced Prototyping + Variables
With advanced prototyping and the new variables feature, the creative possibilities have skyrocketed. Prototyping has always been a cornerstone of Figma, but now with variables, we can create more dynamic and interactive prototypes with less effort. Now, designing a multi-step process like a sign-up flow or creating interactive components that react based on user input is as smooth as butter.
Remember that amazing Flappy Bird prototype that went viral on Twitter? That wouldn’t be possible without these updates. It’s almost like we’re nudging the boundaries of what we previously thought a design tool could do.
Auto Layout Improvements
Figma’s auto layout improvements are nothing short of brilliant. They’ve made designing complex responsive layouts a breeze. The ability to easily set rules for elements to expand, contract, or stay fixed allows us to create designs that adapt beautifully to different screen sizes. It’s like we’re on the edge of turning design theory into practical application, and it’s thrilling!
Better Handoffs with Dev Mode
Next, let’s talk about the heartwarming love letter Figma wrote to our developer friends — Figma Dev Mode. This little gem makes the handoff process smoother by presenting all design information in a developer-friendly manner. It’s like Figma is acting as the translator between us designers and our dev counterparts.
In this mode, devs can find all the information they need without getting lost in a design forest. It shows stuff like min/max values and layout properties, which are gold dust for developers. Better handoffs lead to fewer misunderstandings, fewer back-and-forth, and ultimately a more harmonious working relationship. 🤝
Insights from a Designer Turned CEO – Brian Chesky
In his insightful chat at Config, Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s CEO, emphasized the pivotal role of design thinking in Airbnb’s strategy, not just in product development, but also in company-wide decision-making and business restructuring. Brian, being a designer at heart, has incorporated his design thinking into the very fabric of Airbnb.
An instance that stood out was when he shared the story of how Airbnb navigated the turbulence of the pandemic. With the hospitality industry in jeopardy, Airbnb was hit hard. But rather than succumbing to the pressure, Brian turned back to his roots as a designer.
He didn’t just look at the problem as a business hurdle; he saw it as a design challenge. Instead of merely implementing a series of cost-cutting measures or focusing solely on short-term recovery, he took a step back to ‘redesign’ Airbnb.
He realized that the company had strayed away from its core design principle – creating a world where anyone could belong anywhere. This led to a complete overhaul of the company’s strategy, returning it to its roots and ensuring it was better equipped to face the future. It was design thinking applied not to a product, but to the entire company.
The takeaway here is the transformative power of design thinking. It extends beyond product development to shaping the very foundations of a business, from its strategy to its culture. How many other businesses would be transformed if they integrated design thinking into their core the way Airbnb has?
Emotional Intelligence in Software: More than Just Code
Finally, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind lately: emotional intelligence in software. Andrew Schmidt, one of the design minds I admire, believes that good software is not just functional but also emotionally intelligent.
Andrew emphasized that good software isn’t just about the task it performs but also how it makes the user feel while performing that task. He cited the example of Figma’s interactive components. These components adapt and react based on user input, making the design experience feel more like a conversation rather than a static process.
He also pointed out how Figma’s use of friendly language in error messages helps to humanize the software, making it feel less like interacting with a machine and more like engaging with a friendly companion. This kind of emotionally intelligent software design reduces frustration and increases user satisfaction.
What struck me most from Andrew’s talk was his statement, “Emotionally intelligent software is like a good friend: it understands you, aids you, and sometimes, it just makes you smile.” This concept of software as a friend is a powerful idea. What if all software was designed with this principle in mind? How much more delightful would our digital experiences be?
In an era where software is often deemed ‘try-hard’, it’s refreshing to see tools that prioritize emotional intelligence, creating experiences that genuinely resonate with users.
Parting Thoughts
The Config conference was a whirlwind of inspiration, innovation, and profound insights. It’s clear that Figma is pushing boundaries, facilitating better collaboration, and placing humans at the heart of design. But what excited me most is how these updates are changing our approach to design.
We’re not just creating beautiful interfaces anymore; we’re building emotionally intelligent experiences, bridging the gap between designers and developers, and using design as a strategy for business success.
So, keep exploring, keep pushing, and remember: You’re shaping the future, one design at a time. You’re doing great! 💪🏼💜
