Workflow Lab: AI Image Tooling and Interactive Prototyping in Figma | Figma Blog (opens in new tab)
Figma’s Workflow Lab demonstrates how teams can combine AI image editing, vector tools, and interactive prototyping to test conversion-focused product experiences quickly. For Trivet, a recipe app, the goal is to increase referral-program signups without disrupting the user journey. The team explores three approaches—an immersive modal, an integrated feed card, and a full-screen overlay—each using different visual strategies to balance attention and usability. ## The Signup Problem - Trivet’s referral banner is generating fewer clicks and signups than expected. - The team must determine whether the banner is: - Too subtle to attract attention - Too disruptive to support a smooth experience - The sprint tests three levels of visibility: - A modal - An in-feed card - A full-screen overlay - The team evaluates not only layout, but also tone, visual tension, and how attention affects conversion. ## Direction One: Use Visual Treatment to Spark Curiosity - A modal creates a more immersive interruption than an in-feed card. - Photography is used to support messaging about “unlocking” exclusive recipes. - Recipes are partially blurred so they appear visible but inaccessible. - Figma’s glass effect, refraction, and progressive blur create a frosted, layered surface. - The visual treatment makes the reward feel tangible while justifying the interruption. ## Direction Two: Add Personality to the Interface - The referral message is integrated directly into the feed to feel more supportive and less disruptive. - A hand-drawn cake illustration replaces photography because it requires less visual space. - Figma’s Remove background and Vectorize tools turn the raster sketch into an editable vector asset. - The designer: - Adjusts colors using brand variables found through inline fill search - Uses the Cut tool to refine edges while preserving paths - Rotates anchor points with bounding boxes to polish details - The result is a reusable, scalable illustration that adds texture and approachability to the card. ## Direction Three: Create a Full-Screen Overlay - A full-screen experience maximizes visibility and clearly signals priority. - The larger format requires photography strong enough to carry the entire interaction. - Instead of replacing an imperfect image, the designer adapts it to the layout. - The workflow uses precise image-editing tools such as Erase object to remove distracting elements, including a spoon. - This approach prioritizes visual impact, though it introduces the greatest interruption to the user experience. ## From Design Exploration to Prototyping - The workflow connects Figma Design, AI image tools, FigJam, and Figma Make. - Designers can move from visual experimentation to interactive prototypes without waiting for production assets. - A broader team—including product, content, growth, and engineering—can compare the concepts and evaluate which level of attention best supports signups. The practical recommendation is to test visual intensity against user experience rather than assuming maximum visibility will perform best. Figma’s integrated image and prototyping tools make it faster to create and compare multiple directions before committing to implementation.