Figma’s AI App Generator 'First Draft' Returns With Enhanced Features

Introducing Figma's New AI Feature: First Draft

In June, Figma introduced a groundbreaking feature called Make Designs that leverages generative AI to jumpstart the app design process. This tool, however, faced some scrutiny from early users when some mockups resembled Apple’s iPhone weather app too closely. Despite Figma's assurances that customer data wasn’t used for training, they decided to pull the feature for further testing.

What is First Draft?

Now, Figma is set to relaunch this feature under a new name: First Draft. Currently in limited beta, First Draft aims to enhance the design experience by employing sophisticated AI models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Amazon Titan, without using customer datasets. The company has refined this feature through thorough analysis and iterative testing.

Key Updates in First Draft

As part of the relaunch, First Draft will include several key updates, including:

Library Options: Users can select from one of four design libraries tailored to specific needs. Whether you're aiming for low-fidelity wireframing or more visually rich representations, these libraries cater to diverse design requirements.
Exploratory Design: First Draft encourages a more exploratory approach as a counterbalance to Figma's existing Visual Search feature, which allows users to search designs via prompts or images.
AI Selection and Customization: The AI tool uses three key components: model, context, and prompt. The context draws from proprietary mobile and desktop design systems, while users input their design goals, enabling the AI to create customized starting points.

How It Works

The working mechanism of First Draft is built on several crucial elements:

Model: Utilizes powerful off-the-shelf generative AI models.
Context: Incorporates pre-existing design systems and components.
Prompt: Users define their design objectives, which guide the AI in selecting and arranging suitable components.

This approach ensures that users receive a relevant, customizable foundation to begin their design processes.

Other AI Features from Figma

In addition to First Draft, Figma has expanded its suite of AI tools, including the capability to auto-generate text for designs, making designing faster and more intuitive.

Conclusion

Figma’s upcoming relaunch of First Draft signifies its commitment to innovation and user feedback in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. By focusing on user-centric features while ensuring data security, Figma aims to empower designers to explore their creativity more readily.