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In 2015, Figma initiated a revolution in the design world with a bold promise: to make design accessible to everyone. Initially, many were skeptical at the launch of their beta version. However, thanks to its forward-thinking market vision, cutting-edge features, and massive adoption by a continually expanding community of designers, Figma has positioned itself alongside giants like InVision, Sketch, and Adobe XD in less than a decade.
Today, in 2024, Figma has become a preferred tool for major enterprises, including those in the CAC 40, thus confirming its position as a leader in the design industry. Its recognition is so significant that the tech giant Adobe considered acquiring it for a staggering 20 billion dollars in 2023, highlighting its undeniable value in the market.
In this article, we will explore how Figma continues to drive the design world by offering innovative solutions - for designers and developers - as well as for all other non-creative teams. Let's take a closer look at this revolutionary tool and its prospects for 2024!
What is Figma?
Figma stands out primarily as an online design and collaboration platform, specifically tailored for designers. It is not merely a graphic design tool - it is a comprehensive solution that transforms the way teams engage with design.
The tool aims to provide solutions for a more
- collaborative
- borderless
- transparent
- community-focused
- open source
The platform has developed numerous features to achieve this, for instance, by enabling teams to work simultaneously on the same project, regardless of their geographical location. It also encourages a feedback culture, with integrated commenting and sharing features. With its commitment to the open-source model, Figma offers a vast library of shared resources, created and enriched by its Figma Community - including plugins, templates, and other resources.
Why Use the Tool?
1. Web Design
The tool features a robust design interface through its "Design File" format. This interface allows one or more designers to collaborate in creating web interfaces, whether they are:
- UX Wireframes
- UI Mockups
- Application Screens
- Prototypes
2. Web Interface Development
Figma's designer interface also includes features dedicated to developers through "Dev Mode" - allowing them to easily transform a design into code.
They have access to various dimensions used on the project, assets, and code snippets in the desired language: HTML, CSS, React, etc. These features accelerate the development process while ensuring a more accurate representation between the original design and the finished product.
3. Brainstorming and Workshops
Figma also provides a simplified workspace - FigJam files - which offer a more accessible work environment to facilitate collaboration among all types of teams.
- Brainstorming and reflections
- Mindmap creation
- Roadmap creation
- Design sprint workshops
- Meeting reports
By integrating these features into a user-friendly environment, Figma's FigJam allows all teams, whether technical or non-technical, to collaborate efficiently, making the design process more inclusive and integrated.
4. Other Corporate Uses
It would be limiting to think that Figma is solely dedicated to creative teams, as its multiple features allow for a wider range of tasks:
- Creating Pitch Decks for fundraising
- Creating sales materials
- Posts for social media, banners, YouTube thumbnails
- Other graphic creations: business cards, email signatures, logos, illustrations
Figma aims to be a comprehensive platform, suited to a multitude of tasks that go far beyond UX / UI design - enabling companies of all sizes to integrate design strategically and effectively into their operational processes.
How to Learn and Train in Figma?
1. Test & Learn
The "Test & Learn" approach is what we recommend at first. Figma's interface is designed to be very intuitive, and the tool offers a free version that allows for self-testing. The best way to start familiarizing oneself with the tool is to dive in!
To aid in this Test & Learn phase, the Figma Community is a valuable resource. Users can find inspiration, copy free templates, and analyze how these templates are designed to better understand design practices.
For those seeking structured guides - the Figma Learn Center is a wealth of information. It compiles extensive documentation to support beginners in the tool. This combination of self-directed learning and community resources provides a solid foundation to start using Figma.
2. Free Training
For those wanting to deepen their knowledge, there are countless free resources and training available online. YouTube is particularly rich in quality tutorials, with dedicated Figma channels such as:
We also recommend the Digidop Academy, as a foundational place to learn for free. Our training comprises nearly 70 videos covering the basics of web design and using Figma. A structured learning path, in French and entirely free.
3. Paid Training
For those who wish to become experts in the tool or even make it their profession, paid training offers a more in-depth and specialized learning. Among these:
- The Cacatoès Theory 🇫🇷: an advanced French course delivered by Romain Dao.
- Memorisely 🇺🇸: bootcamps and numerous UX & UI resources in English.
- Other training options available on various online learning platforms.
What Are the Prospects for Figma in 2024?
1. Focus on AI for Designers and Developers
The integration of artificial intelligence into Figma represents a pivotal turning point in how designers interact with the tool and approach the creative process. It is a major topic, and many developmental avenues are anticipated for the upcoming year.
Figma's API has already facilitated the integration of nearly 100 AI-powered plugins in 2023. This allows users to access valuable assistance for tasks ranging from
- micro-level: creating color palettes, developing style guides, optimizing conversion rates for mockups
- to macro-level: creating entire sitemaps, designing advanced wireframes, integrating copywriting, etc., notably with the Relume Library plugin.
Figma has also innovated by introducing its own AI in FigJam, enhancing file organization, idea structuring, and workshop synthesis.
Discover FigJam AI
The recent acquisition of Diagram in 2023 also bodes well for significant advancements in 2024, particularly in accelerating and enhancing the design process through AI, reducing design times and offering pre-designed code.
In 2024, Figma is expected to continue exploring AI as an assistance platform, helping to address various design challenges.
2. Emphasis on Design Collaboration
Collaboration will remain a central issue for Figma in 2024. The trends revealed by the report "State of the Designer" at the end of 2023, particularly that 95% of designers work part-time remotely and that 53% hold group meetings more frequently, underscore the importance of remote collaboration.
The role of the designer is evolving into a central position in the product development process, requiring effective tools and methods for increased productivity and satisfaction. Figma is poised to continue innovating in this area, enhancing and expanding its collaboration features.
3. Focus on the Expanding Community
The Figma community is growing day by day, with an increasing presence
- on social media,
- in the Figma Community,
- and within local communities like "Friends of Figma".
The Config event, held for the first time in-person in 2023, was a tremendous success and will be renewed in 2024 with high expectations:
- approximately 8000 participants,
- 70 conferences,
- and 75 speakers.
In addition to the main event, many Config Watch Parties are planned worldwide, reflecting the growth and engagement of the Figma community.
Figma Config 2024 - Paris Watch Party by Digidop
This expansion of the community is a clear indication of Figma's growing impact in the design world. In 2024, this trend is expected to continue, with an even more active and engaged community playing a crucial role in the evolution of the tool and in the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices.
Config 2024: Summary of New Features
Learn more about the new features of Config 2024
Conclusion
In a decade, Figma has established itself as a undisputed leader in the world of web design, setting trends and driving innovation. More than just a design tool, Figma has become a key player in fostering the creation of new professions and business opportunities, revolutionizing not only the creative process but also how companies approach digital design.
As Figma continues to shape the design landscape, we can expect it to push the boundaries of creativity and collaboration even further in the years to come. New advancements, new ways to approach web design, Figma does not merely follow market trends; it forges them and paves the way for a promising future in 2024!
