The Power of Play | Figma Blog

Laura Fehre’s experiment creating the Figma-based “Mani Mansion” shows how play can unlock creativity when perfectionism and rigid expectations get in the way. Although she initially rejected structure, she discovered that a flexible design system made experimentation easier and more enjoyable. The project ultimately became less about producing a perfect digital salon and more about creating something delightful and inspiring.

Finding Inspiration in Everyday Experiences

• Fehre drew inspiration from the childhood game Barbie Nail Designer and her own nail-salon appointments.
• She explored real nail salons to capture their sounds, scents, textures, and ’90s aesthetic.
• Sketches of plush seating, neon signs, and glossy counters helped translate the physical experience into an interactive Figma playground.
• Her goal shifted from designing for efficiency to creating a space where users could lose track of time.

When Disorder Needs Structure

• Fehre initially made every nail shape unique, hoping to create a wild and unconventional experience.
• This approach made layering and combining elements difficult, producing endless duplicates and a frustrating file.
• She realized that structure and reusable components were necessary to support creative freedom.
• The experience also exposed her insecurity about rusty graphic-design skills and unrealistic expectations.

Reframing Problems as Play

• Collaborating with fellow Designer Advocate Miggi Cardona helped Fehre turn creative frustration into experimentation.
• They played with nail shapes and patterns without focusing on whether the results were “useful.”
• Fehre recognized that trying to impress others had made failure feel threatening.
• Letting go of perfection allowed setbacks to become opportunities for learning, humor, and discovery.

Designing and Sharing the Final Manicure

• Fehre created a mood board combining disco glitter, ’80s Versace influences, bold black clothing, “baddie” energy, and Valentine’s Day hearts.
• A systematic set of nail shapes and colors gave her enough consistency to explore combinations freely.
• She brought the resulting design to her nail technician as creative inspiration rather than an exact template.
• The final manicure demonstrated how digital play can inspire real-world collaboration and expression.

The practical lesson is that structure and play are not opposites. Designers can use systems as a foundation, then experiment freely within them—especially when the goal is delight rather than perfection.