“Go wisely and slowly. Those who rush stumble and fall.” said William Shakespeare and we’ve decided to take this suggestion literally by publishing, two months after the event, the report on Config2024, which our digital product designer, Alberto Giorgi, attended and now shares with us. Figma Config is the annual conference for designers who build products. It’s a deep dive into the most prominent topics of our profession. Speakers and participants gather to connect, exchange ideas, and learn as much as possible about key subjects like design systems, AI, development, and more.

Over to Alberto Giorgi now! Enjoy the read.

A Journey Beyond the Features

Attending a conference like Figma Config 2024 is more than just an opportunity to learn about the latest updates and innovations in design; it’s an immersive experience that connects you with a global community of creative professionals. This year, I had the privilege of attending Config in person, and I’d like to share what that experience was like—from the pre-event buzz to the memorable moments that defined the conference.

The Anticipation Builds

The excitement for Figma Config begins long before the official start. This year, Figma kicked things off by creating a dedicated Slack channel for attendees—a space where we could connect, organize activities, and even discover side events.
For example, I learned about the Friends of Figma gathering at Frog Design HQ in San Francisco through this channel. In the weeks leading up to the conference, Figma also provided a link to view the program and reserve seats for sessions. This was a welcome improvement from last year, where rushing between sessions and dealing with capacity issues was common. The sessions were categorized into four main areas: Artificial Intelligence, Design Systems, Creativity, and Development, allowing attendees to tailor their experience to their interests.

#Day 0 – Setting the Tone

The day before the official start of Config, Figma organized a new event—Config Commons—at Yerba Buena Gardens, right across from the Moscone Center. The atmosphere was electric, filled with activities like printing your own t-shirt, writing poetry, and engaging with the Figma research team. As the evening progressed, the energy peaked with a dance session that culminated in a conga line snaking around the gardens. Config Commons was a brilliant addition, creating the perfect environment for networking, even for introverts. It set a positive, energetic tone for the days ahead.

#Day 1 – A Glimpse into the Future

Day 1 kicked off with an opening keynote from Figma’s CEO, Dylan Field. The excitement in the room was palpable as he introduced several groundbreaking updates designed to streamline design processes using AI. Key features like Visual Search, improved Asset Search, and automated tasks such as generating realistic images and copy were met with enthusiasm. Dylan also unveiled UI3, a redesigned interface aimed at enhancing the user experience.
What resonated with me most was his focus on human creativity, encapsulated in the quote:

“Our craft is the differentiator.”

Despite the mixed reactions online, I appreciated how Dylan positioned AI as a tool to enhance creativity rather than replace designers. He believes that as software becomes more powerful, it will amplify the role of human creativity, opening doors for a broader range of people to participate and excel in the creative process. Even with the influx of AI-generated content, he is confident that truly exceptional work will continue to stand out and be recognized by both creators and audiences alike.

The rest of the day was filled with insightful sessions. One of the most memorable was led by Cecilia Uhr, co-founder of Bezi, who discussed the evolving role of designers in the age of AI and spatial computing. Another standout session was by Linda Dong and Mike Stern from Apple, who delved into the principles of designing for spatial computing environments, emphasizing how interfaces are evolving in response to new technologies.

Friends of Figma Event 

That evening, I attended the Friends of Figma event at Frog HQ, which was a unique and interactive experience. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a Polaroid station where we could take a picture of ourselves. This was followed by a quick personality test about our focus type (Selective Attention here!), which determined the stamp we would choose to place on a postcard-like item with our photo, name, and stamp.

We then stuck these postcards on a wall, which, by the end of the event, was filled with the faces of all the participants. It was a wonderful way to visually capture the community spirit of the event.

The Frog HQ itself was stunning, offering a breathtaking view of Oracle Park, home of the SF Giants. That night, a baseball game was underway, and from our vantage point, we could see the match in progress—it was an amazing sight! I also had the opportunity to meet several other designers from different companies and studios.

One of the highlights was an informal and humorous presentation by Pablo Stanley, a well-known designer and serial startup founder. He shared his personal experiences, particularly the challenges of underestimating project efforts, and how these challenges, though daunting, can lead to unexpected successes.

#Day 2 – Design Systems and a Dash of Competition

Day 2 was all about Design Systems, but the highlight for me was an impromptu design battle over lunch. I teamed up with a group of designers to create a humorous app concept that allowed users to reserve coffee and find stations using AR guidance or opt for a VIP delivery service to their seats during sessions. To our delight, our concept won the battle, adding a fun and memorable twist to the day.

In addition to the battle, I attended several sessions that further deepened my understanding of design systems. The Zalando Design System team shared insights on simplifying their system to better serve their luxury brand experience, while Raphael Schaad, designer of the Cron calendar app, discussed how his analog note-taking process influences his digital designs.

Why Design Group Italia at Figma Config

Figma Config 2024 showcased emerging technologies like AI, spatial computing, and advanced design systems that are shaping the future of design. For a studio like Design Group Italia, these innovations present opportunities to lead and innovate in the industry. By integrating cutting-edge tools introduced at Config, we can streamline our creative process and offer clients more dynamic, efficient, and personalized design solutions.

The enhancements in Figma’s design software align with our commitment to seamless client collaboration, enabling us to maintain agility and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving design landscape. Training is a key focus at Design Group Italia; understanding new trends like spatial computing allows our team to explore and implement the latest design paradigms, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry.

Moreover, we aren’t just consumers of these new ideas; we are poised to influence and help set industry standards. By actively engaging in the conversations around AI and design systems, we bring fresh perspectives to our projects and the wider design community.

Lastly, Config highlighted the importance of community. The connections and exchanges made at the conference are invaluable for us, fostering potential collaborations and keeping us connected with the pulse of the industry. These relationships ensure that Design Group Italia remains at the cutting edge of design, contributing to the ongoing evolution of our craft.

Reflecting on the Experience

Attending Figma Config 2024 was an emotional journey. It was both inspiring and energizing, though a bit overwhelming at times. With so many sessions and activities, the fear of missing out was real. However, the overall experience was incredibly rewarding, and I left feeling part of a global community of people who are passionate about the craft of product design.

A few key takeaways stood out:

• Design Systems: Simplification and user involvement are crucial. Many talks highlighted the value of a streamlined design system, with designers like those at Uber advocating for a less-is-more approach.
• Spatial Computing: This, for me, is the future. We are in a transitional period where designers have the unique opportunity to shape the next decade of software design by embracing spatial computing.
• Artificial Intelligence: AI is not a replacement but a tool that enhances creativity and bridges the gap between designers and developers.

A Taste of San Francisco

Beyond the conference, being in San Francisco added its own unique flavor to the experience- one that I absolutely love. The city’s iconic hills, the mysterious fog, and its ever-changing nature create an atmosphere that’s both dynamic and captivating. Config also took place during Pride Month, which meant there was a vibrant array of events and celebrations happening all around, offering so much more to explore beyond design-related activities.

Being in the city often dubbed the capital of digital design, where many of the companies we hear about every day have their headquarters, was incredibly inspiring. The city was dotted with tech industry and startup billboards—a sight that’s both amusing and indicative of the area’s vibrant tech culture. And then there were the Waymo autonomous taxis, cruising the streets day and night. While I didn’t get a chance to ride in one, seeing these self-driving cars in action was a reminder of how quickly technology is advancing.

All these elements combined made San Francisco the perfect backdrop for Config, enhancing the overall experience of being surrounded by cutting-edge innovation.
What’s more?  I’ll make the most of this experience while awaiting Config25!