Figma Doubles Down on Human-Centric Design as AI-Driven Rivals Close In

Figma's latest updates, unveiled at its Config 2026 conference, mark a significant shift in the company's strategy as it faces increasing competition from AI-driven design tools. By incorporating code, motion, depth, and surface effects into its canvas, Figma is betting on human judgment and creativity to deliver unique designs that stand out in a crowded market. This approach is a deliberate departure from relying solely on AI-generated outputs, which can often lack the nuance and originality that human designers bring to the table. With 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies already using Figma to build their products, the company is under pressure to stay ahead of the curve and provide its users with the tools they need to create innovative, AI-driven designs.

At the heart of Figma's updates is a new feature called Code Layers, which allows designers to work with code and design elements side by side on the same canvas. This streamlined approach enables users to generate code from a design, prompt it through an agent, or import a repository from GitHub, and then drag out editable design layers, tweak them directly, and convert them back to code. The result is a faster, more iterative design process that matches the speed and flexibility of working with design layers alone. Figma's Code Layers also show components as editable files directly on the canvas, making it easier for designers to collaborate and refine their work.

In addition to Code Layers, Figma is introducing motion and depth layers to its canvas, allowing designers to create complex animations, transitions, and timelines without relying on external tools. These features can be edited collaboratively, generated through an agent, and pushed all the way to production via Dev Mode and MCP. The company is also adding a depth layer with 3D transformations, which will enable designers to create more immersive, interactive experiences. By incorporating these features into its canvas, Figma is providing its users with a more comprehensive design system that can handle a wide range of tasks and workflows.

Figma's focus on human-centric design and tighter integration of design and code is a response to the growing competition from AI-powered design tools. Companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are developing AI models that can generate interfaces, text, and code at increasingly low costs, making it harder for Figma to maintain its profit margins. By emphasizing the importance of human judgment and creativity, Figma is betting that its users will continue to value the unique perspectives and originality that human designers bring to the table. This approach is also reflected in the company's decision to focus on smarter token usage, which will help reduce inference costs and improve efficiency.

The implications of Figma's updates are significant for developers, businesses, and everyday users. By providing a more comprehensive design system that incorporates code, motion, depth, and surface effects, Figma is making it easier for users to create innovative, AI-driven designs that stand out in a crowded market. The company's focus on human-centric design and tighter integration of design and code is also a reminder that AI is not a replacement for human creativity, but rather a tool that can augment and enhance the design process. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Figma's approach is a testament to the importance of balancing technology with human judgment and creativity. This matters for AI model users and developers because it highlights the need to prioritize human-centric design principles and to develop AI models that are transparent, explainable, and aligned with human values.