Learning from Figma: Innovation Driven by Deep User Understanding and the Digital Design Process
By: Carlos De Santiago
In recent years, Figma has undergone a remarkable evolution beyond its original function as a design and prototyping tool. Since its introduction, it has expanded its feature set to encompass every crucial phase of the digital product design process. This Config 2024 it was no exception, introducing Figma Slides, its own platform for creating presentations.
Prototyping and Initial Design: The Foundation of Figma
Figma established itself as a powerful tool for design and digital product prototyping, standing out for its collaborative capabilities and ease of use. This innovative product began its ascent in the creative industry in 2015.
FigJam: Fostering Innovation and Collaboration in the Conceptualization Stage
6 years later, in 2021. Figma launched FigJam, expanding its reach into the initial phase of the process, facilitating idea generation, conceptualization, and creative collaboration among teams.
Dev Mode: Tools for Implementation and Development
Aimed at developers, Dev Mode offers a suite of tools that simplify the transition from design to implementation, improving efficiency and accuracy in digital product development. Launched in 2023, just a few years after Figma.
Figma Slides: Closing the Loop?
At the recent Config 2024, Figma introduced Figma Slides, a tool designed to bridge the gap between digital design and project presentations. This allows teams to create visual presentations without leaving the platform and with all of Figma's machinery behind it, enabling the inclusion of functional prototypes, smart animations, and other features.
The data was very important, as they mentioned that last year alone users made around 3.5 million presentations on your platform.
Figma's continued success in expanding and improving its tools throughout the digital design lifecycle speaks to companies' need to innovate more frequently. It is crucial not only to develop initially successful products but also to understand how users utilize them in practice.
Through continuous observation of how its tools are used, Figma has been able to capture a macro view of the digital design process. This deep insight, reliance on data, and understanding of its users have allowed it to identify areas for improvement and develop new functionalities, such as FigJam, Dev Mode, and Figma Slides, which specifically address the emerging needs of designers and developers.
Companies that wish to remain relevant and competitive must adopt a similar approach of constant research and adjustment. By thoroughly understanding how their products are used and perceived by users, they can effectively iterate to integrate new functionalities and products that further meet the needs of the evolving market. This iteration not only improves the user experience but also strengthens the company's position in today's digital market.
If you want to stay relevant in today's market by understanding your users' needs, in Gerund We can help you.
