Inside Figma: tips from the team that builds Figma | Figma Blog (opens in new tab)
Figma’s team uses the product for far more than interface design, including brainstorming, branding, team activities, and remote research. The post presents practical methods and templates that make creative collaboration more approachable, regardless of design experience. Its central recommendation is to use Figma as an open, flexible space for exploration rather than focusing immediately on finding the “right” answer. ## Figma for More Than Product Design - Figmates across engineering, product, design, and research shared favorite workflows in a livestream. - Topics included: - Keyboard shortcuts and speed tips - Brainstorming exercises - Templates for different skill levels - Blend modes and easing curves - The team also uses Figma for team-building and remote user research. ## Brainstorming with Mind Maps Brand designer Remilla Ty recommends a “mind map sketchbook” for gathering inspiration and exploring creative directions. - **Prompt:** The project name or a statement describing the work. - **Image:** Visual references and sources of inspiration. - **Keywords:** Words connected to the images and the original prompt. - The framework helps teams identify themes and turn them into creative concepts. - Figma used this approach while developing branding directions for Figma Community. - The goal is open exploration rather than judging ideas as right or wrong. ## Lists and Mood Boards A second brainstorming method combines structured prompts with visual references. - **Prompt:** A literal description of the project. - **Beyond:** A more abstract interpretation of the project. - **Look and feel:** The emotions the finished work should create. - Teams extract recurring themes and keywords from the lists. - They then build mood boards using images and color palettes. - The resulting visual direction can be distilled into a concept statement and eventually a brand identity. - Figma used this process for its remote Maker Week branding. ## Creating a More Comfortable Research Environment Researcher Nannearl Brown describes using Figma to make participant activities feel less intimidating. - The research team prioritizes helping participants feel comfortable sharing information. - Participants may receive Figma trading cards as pre-work. - The cards encourage them to introduce themselves and prepare for the session. - Questions cover both Figma-related topics—such as favorite features and use cases—and personal information. The practical takeaway is to use Figma’s collaborative canvas not only for polished design work, but also for low-pressure ideation, visual thinking, and human-centered research.