In 2015, Figma began a revolution in the world of design with a bold promise: to make design accessible to all. Initially, many were skeptical when their beta version was launched. Yet, thanks to its avant-garde vision of the market, cutting-edge features and massive adoption by an ever-expanding community of designers, in less than a decade Figma has managed to position itself alongside giants such asInVision, Sketch, and Adobe XD.

Today, in 2024, Figma has become the tool of choice for major companies, including those in the CAC 40, confirming its position as a leader in the design industry. Such is its notoriety that the giant Adobe is considering acquiring it for the colossal sum of 20 billion dollars in 2023, proof of its undisputed value on the market.

In this article, we explore how Figma continues to drive the design world by offering innovative solutions - for designers and developers - but also for all other non-creative teams. Let's take a look at this revolutionary tool and its prospects for 2024!

What is Figma?

Figma stands out first and foremost as an online design and collaboration platform designed specifically for designers. It's not just a graphic design tool - it's a complete solution that transforms the way teams interact with design.

The tool seeks to provide solutions for moving towards more sustainable design.

• collaborative
• without borders
• transparent
• community-oriented
• open source

The platform has developed a number of features to achieve this, such as enabling teams to work simultaneously on the same project, regardless of their geographical location. It also fosters a feedback culture, with built-in 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 - plugins, templates and other resources.

Why use the tool?

1. Webdesign

First and foremost, the tool features a design interface, via its "Design File" files. This interface enables one or more designers to collaborate on the design of web interfaces, whether :

• Wireframe UX
• UI mock-ups
• Application screens
• Prototypes

2. Web interface development

Figma's designer interface also features a " Dev Mode" dedicated to developers - allowing them to easily transform a design into code.

In particular, they have access to the different dimensions used on the project, assets, and snippets of code in the desired language: HTML, CSS, React, and so on. Features that speed up the development process while ensuring a more faithful rendering between the initial design and the finished product.

3. Brainstorming and workshops

Figma also provides a simplified workspace - the FigJam files - offering a more accessible working environment to facilitate collaboration between all types of teams.

• Brainstorming and reflection
• Creating mindmaps
• Roadmap creation
• Design sprint workshops
• Meeting reports

By integrating these features in a user-friendly environment, Figma's FigJam enables all teams, technical and non-technical, to collaborate effectively, making the design process more inclusive and integrated.

4. Other corporate uses

It would be a mistake to think that Figma is dedicated solely to creative teams, as its many functions mean that it canbe used for a wide range of other tasks:

• Creation of Pitch Deck for a fundraising campaign
• Creation of marketing materials
• Post for social networks, banners, YouTube thumbnail
• Other graphic creations : business cards, e-mail signatures, logos, illustrations

Figma aims to be a comprehensive platform for a multitude of tasks that go far beyond UX / UI design - enabling companies of all sizes to integrate design strategically and effectively into their business processes.

How to learn and train at Figma

1. Test & Learn

The "Test & Learn" approach is what we recommend as a first step. Figma's interface is highly intuitive, and the tool offers a free version which you can test yourself. The best way to get started is to get started!

To help with this Test & Learn phase - the Figma Community is a valuable resource. Here, users can find inspiration, copy free templates and analyze how these templates are designed to better understand design practices.

For those looking for structured guides - the Learn Center Learn Center is a mine of information. It contains a vast array of documentation to help you take your first steps with the tool. This combination of self-directed learning and community resources provides a solid foundation for getting started with Figma.

2. Free training

For those wishing to deepen their knowledge, there are a multitude of free online resources and training courses. YouTube is particularly rich in quality tutorials, with channels dedicated to Figma such as :

• @BatistUI 🇫🇷
• @Digidop 🇫🇷
• @Figma 🇺🇸
• @FluxAcademy 🇺🇸

We also recommend the Digidop Academyas a free training base. Our training course includes almost 70 videos to help you learn the basics of web design and how to use Figma. Astructured learning path,in French and completely free of charge.

3. Paid training

For those who want to become an expert in the tool, or even make it their profession, there are paid training courses offering more in-depth and specialized learning. These include :

• The Cacatoès Theory 🇫🇷: advanced training in French by Romain Dao.

• Memorisely 🇺🇸: bootcamps and numerous UX & UI resources in English.

• Other training courses available on various e-learning platforms.

What's the outlook for Figma in 2024?

1. Focus on AI for designers and developers

The integration ofartificial intelligence into Figma represents a decisive turning point in the way designers interact with the tool and approach the creative process. It's a major topic, and we're looking forward to many new developments in the coming year.

Figma's API has made it possible to integrate nearly 100 AI-powered plugins powered plug-ins in 2023. Allowing users to benefit from invaluable help with tasks ranging from..,

• micro: creation of color palettes, development of style guides, optimization of mock-up conversion rates
• macro: creation of complete sitemaps, advanced wireframes, copywriting integration, etc. - especially with the Relume Library plugin.

Figma has also innovated by introducing its own AI into FigJam, improving file organization, idea structuring and workshop synthesis.

Discover FigJam AI

Therecent acquisition of Diagram in 2023 also augurs great advances for 2024, notably in the acceleration and improvement of the design process via AI, reducing design times and offering pre-designed code.

In 2024, Figma should continue to explore AI as an assistance platform, helping to address various design issues.

2. Focus on Design Collaboration

Collaboration will remain a central issue for Figma in 2024. The trends revealed by the"State of the Designer" report at the end of 2023, notably the fact that 95% of designers work partly from home and 53% hold group meetings more frequently, underline the importance of remote collaboration.

The role of the designer is evolving towards a central position in the product development process, requiring effective tools and methods for greater productivity and satisfaction. Figma is set to continue innovating in this area, by improving and extending its collaborative features.

3. Growing community focus

The Figma community is growing by the day, with an ever-increasing presence

• on social networks,
• in the Figma Community,
• and in local"Friends of Figma" communities.

L'Configevent, held for the first time in 2023, was a great success and will be repeated in 2024 with high expectations:

• around 8,000 participants,
• 70 conferences,
• and 75 speakers.

In addition to the main event, numerous Config Watch Parties are planned around the world, reflecting the growth and commitment of the Figma community.

This expansion of the community is a clear indicator of Figma's growing impact in the world of design. In 2024, this trend is set to continue, with an even more active and involved community, playing a crucial role in the evolution of the tool and in the sharing of knowledge, resources and best practices.

Conclusion

In the space of a decade, Figma has established itself as an undisputed leader in the world of web design, dictating trends and stimulating innovation. More than just a design tool, Figma has become a key player in the creation of new professions and business opportunities, revolutionizing not only the creative process, but also the way companies think about 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 advances, new ways of approaching web design, Figma doesn't just keep pace with market developments; it forges them and paves the way for a promising future in 2024!