Figma, the app and website design platform, on Wednesday unveiled a user interface (UI) redesign and multiple new artificial intelligence (AI) features. The company calls the new look UI3 as this is the third significant redesign of the platform since its closed beta launch in 2016. In addition, a set of new AI features have also been introduced, including tools such as visual search, asset search, text and image generation, and more. An AI feature even turns static mockups into interactive prototypes. The new platform and features are rolling out as part of a limited beta release.
Figma UI3 redesign
In a blog post, Figma said that the older design was “becoming unapproachable for newcomers” and that it wanted to introduce new ways to interact with user experience (UX) design elements that didn't exist a decade ago The new Figma UI3 features resizable panels and a new thin toolbar at the bottom of the canvas. Another major change has come to the design options. All options, including width, height, and autolayout, have now been merged into a single panel.
Figma UI3 design
Photo credit: Figma
Figma said it was moving away from its minimalist user interface with sharp edges and abstract icons to focus on usability over decoration. With UI3, users will get backgrounds on inputs, borders around dropdown menus, rounded corners, and 200 hand-drawn icons by designer Tim Van Damme.
Features of Figma AI
While the redesign is a significant addition, Figma has also introduced several new AI features to automate and simplify user workflows. The feature set is called Figma AI, and the company is offering these tools for free during the beta period that will continue throughout 2024. Here's a quick rundown of the notable AI features:
- Visual Search: This will allow users to find and reuse designs by uploading an image and selecting an area on the canvas. The function will also work by entering a text query.
- Asset Search: The existing feature will now use AI to understand the semantic meaning and context behind search queries to find the most relevant components and assets.
- Content Generation: Users will be able to generate realistic copy and images to fill pages to create engaging mockups.
- Remove Image Background: As the name suggests, it will allow users to isolate subjects from images without needing to switch tools.
- Create prototypes: It can turn static mockups into interactive prototypes, allowing users to see the flow of the interface at the ideation level.
- Rename Layers – It will allow users to rename layers with a single click. The AI will use contextual titles to rename them.
- Make layouts: In the Actions panel, you'll generate UI layouts and component options using text prompts. This can effectively generate a first draft of the design that can be manually edited.
Figma also emphasized that the generative AI features are powered by third-party AI models that have not been trained on Figma's private files or customer data. However, the company also highlighted the need to train AI models on specific Figma design concepts and patterns. For this, it will allow Figma administrators to decide whether or not their team's data is used to train the AI. The publication further added that this decision will not affect whether or not they can use AI tools. This optional training will be effective from August 15th.
Both Figma UI3 and Figma AI are currently available in limited beta. Interested users can join the waiting list directly from Figma by navigating to the bottom and clicking the “?” icon
Apart from these, Figma has also introduced a new presentation tool called Figma Slides in open beta.
