Designing an Open Financial System at Coinbase | Figma Blog
Coinbase’s mission to make cryptocurrency accessible depends on design that simplifies complex technology. The company found that Figma’s browser-based, collaborative workspace replaced fragmented tools with an open process involving designers, engineers, product managers, and leadership. This improved communication, alignment, and speed while supporting a more inclusive design culture. ## Designing for an Open Financial System - Coinbase aims to create an open financial system for the world. - Its design principles are to: - Guide users through complex crypto concepts - Empower people to participate - Humanize technical experiences - Simplify blockchain and digital-currency interactions - The company views design as essential to making cryptocurrency accessible beyond technical experts. ## Moving from Siloed Design to Open Collaboration - Coinbase’s previous workflow relied on separate tools for: - Designing - Prototyping - Developer handoff - Switching between platforms created context loss, version-control problems, and communication overhead. - Figma provided a shared, browser-based workspace where multiple people could work together and access the latest files through a link. - This made design more transparent and encouraged feedback and participation from people outside the design team. ## Faster Communication Across Teams - Centralized files allowed designers, product managers, engineers, and executives to stay aligned on current work. - Stakeholders could give feedback directly in Figma, reducing bureaucracy and shortening communication loops. - Teams could speak “the same language” in the same location instead of relying on disconnected tools and handoffs. - The result was faster iteration and clearer, more coordinated product development. ## Collaborative Design Sessions - Coinbase also used Figma for informal, ad hoc projects such as posters and company swag. - Designers could gather in the Design Lounge, open a shared file, and create together in real time. - These sessions demonstrated that collaborative tools could support creativity and team connection, not just formal product work. ## Building a More Inclusive Design Culture - Coinbase’s design team became faster, more nimble, and better aligned. - Figma helped establish a collaborative process in which design was no longer created behind a “black box.” - The team recognized that tools should empower designers and support an inclusive, diverse culture rather than add complexity. - Coinbase presents Figma as an important foundation for continuing to scale its open design practice.
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