We’re again in San Francisco for Config, Figma’s annual convention “for individuals who construct merchandise”. As all the time, the corporate has introduced a bunch of recent instruments and options for Figma itself, together with a slew of AI options, and Figma Slides, a model new device for creating presentation decks. However maybe probably the most daunting announcement for the corporate got here within the type of UI3, the third important redesign of Figma because the product started.
Designed to supply “a extra streamlined and adaptable interface,” UI3 contains resizable panels, non-compulsory labels within the properties panel and clearer iconography. And, unsurprisingly given the simultaneous announcement of Figma’s first native AI options, these characteristic prominently within the new UI. (When you’re simply getting began with net design, check out our Figma evaluation.)
“I can’t inform you how scary it’s designing a brand new UI for Figma for designers,” mentioned CEO Dylan Area, acknowledging the irony of redesigning the UI of the device used to construct UI itself. However the irony did not finish there. “I can also’t inform you how meta it’s designing a brand new Figma editor contained in the outdated Figma editor.” (Throughout the gradual roll-out of UI3, UI2 will proceed to be usable.)
With the announcement of Figma Slides, and final 12 months’s addition of Dev Mode, Figma is arguably inching in the direction of ‘suite’ territory – and the brand new UI is designed to create extra cohesion throughout the increasing Figma ecosystem. “Whether or not you’re brainstorming in FigJam, refining in Figma Design, or presenting with Figma Slides, we wished the expertise to really feel fluid and acquainted. Constant patterns just like the slim toolbar and floating collapsible panels create a by line.”
The brand new iconography contains 200 expressive icons hand-drawn by designer Tim Van Damme. Amongst them is a brand new ‘sparkle’ icon within the toolbar brings up Figma AI. Options embody the power to create cellular and net UI mocks with by way of a textual content immediate, and a formidable visible search system, letting customers seek for an actual piece of design utilizing a body, picture or screenshot.
Area admitted that, for designers, the brand new design might take some getting used to. “We’re going to roll it out slowly and hearken to your suggestions,” he mentioned. UI3 might be accessible as a restricted beta from June 26, 2024. Customers can be a part of a waitlist in-product to request entry.
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