Are people too optimistic about Figma's AI capabilities?

I’ve been thinking about Figma’s AI features and I’m not sure everyone’s being realistic. Here’s why:

  1. Companies always want to cut costs. Even if your boss likes you, someone higher up sees designers as expensive.

  2. AI might not be perfect now, but it’s improving fast. Figma’s working hard on this. Entry-level designers might struggle soon.

  3. Clients don’t need perfect design. If AI seems good enough to them, that’s what matters.

  4. The advice to ‘create more value’ is tricky. It’s partly true, but it’s not always easy.

What do you think? Are we being too optimistic about our job security? Should we be worried or is this just normal progress?

I’m not saying we’ll all lose our jobs tomorrow, but things might change. Maybe we’ll end up with fewer designers working more like editors.

What’s your take on this? How are you preparing for these changes in the industry?

nah, we aint gonna be replaced by AI anytime soon. sure, it mite make some tasks easier, but real design is about creativity and understanding ppl. AI cant replicate that human touch. but ya, keep learning and adapting. thats always been key in this field anyway

I’ve been following the AI developments in Figma closely, and while it’s impressive, I don’t think we’re at a point where designers should panic. The reality is that AI excels at repetitive tasks and generating variations, but it lacks the nuanced understanding of brand identity, user psychology, and cultural context that seasoned designers bring to the table.

That said, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve. I’ve been investing time in deepening my strategic thinking skills and expanding my knowledge of business objectives. This allows me to contribute beyond just visual design, offering insights that AI simply can’t match.

Ultimately, I see AI as a powerful assistant rather than a replacement. It can help us work more efficiently, allowing us to focus on the higher-level aspects of design that truly require human creativity and insight. The key is to embrace these tools and learn how to leverage them effectively in our workflow.

As someone who’s been in the trenches of design for years, I gotta say - the AI hype in Figma is both exciting and a bit overblown. Sure, it’s gonna shake things up, but it’s not the design apocalypse some are painting it as.

Here’s the deal: AI’s great at churning out options and speeding up some grunt work. But design’s core? That’s all about empathy, problem-solving, and creativity. Last I checked, AI’s still playing catch-up there.

That said, we can’t just stick our heads in the sand. I’ve been upskilling like crazy - diving into UX strategy, brushing up on accessibility, even dabbling in some front-end code. It’s not just about staying relevant; it’s about growing as a professional.

Bottom line: AI’s a tool, not a replacement. Our job is to master it, not fear it. And let’s be real - clients still want that human touch. They want someone who gets their brand, their audience, their vision. That’s our superpower, folks. Let’s use it.

I’ve been in the design industry for over a decade, and I’ve seen similar concerns arise with each new technological advancement. While AI in Figma is certainly powerful, it’s important to maintain perspective. Design isn’t just about creating visuals; it’s about understanding user needs, solving complex problems, and crafting meaningful experiences. These are areas where human insight remains crucial.

That said, it’s wise to stay adaptable. I’ve been focusing on honing my strategic thinking and expanding my skill set beyond pure design. Learning about business strategy, user research, and even basic coding has made me more valuable to my team. AI might change how we work, but it’s unlikely to replace the nuanced decision-making and creativity that experienced designers bring to the table.

Ultimately, I see AI as a tool that can enhance our workflow, not replace us entirely. It’s up to us to leverage these advancements to become more efficient and focus on higher-level design challenges.