Transforming Design Collaboration: How we introduced Figma to Microsoft

My journey with Figma began in 2016 when I was captivated by its innovative approach to shared design component libraries and signed up for a preview release. Recognizing its potential, I joined my good friend and coworker Hylke Bons to advocate for its adoption, starting with persuading David Siegel, Head of Design at Xamarin.

The Figma experience was transformative, especially compared to the challenges we faced using Sketch, a competing design tool. The ease of sharing and collaboration offered by Figma’s browser-based platform was a game-changer. However, we initially encountered performance issues with complex designs.

In 2017, we traveled from the our homes to Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond to demonstrate Figma to the Dev Div Design team. This presentation was a resounding success, with the team quickly recognizing Figma as a significant time-saver. This moment marked a turning point for many at Microsoft, helping them realize the potential of Figma in streamlining their design processes.

My initial use of Figma:

High–Density Fluent

When we introduced Figma to Microsoft, I used it for the first major project: redesigning our IDEs to the Fluent Design System.

Our efforts contributed significantly to Figma’s rapid adoption within Microsoft, to the extent that it began to overshadow Adobe, a long-time industry leader. This journey with Figma revolutionized our design workflow. It marked a significant shift in Microsoft’s design and collaboration tools approach.

The CNBC article delves into the intriguing dynamics between Microsoft, Adobe, and the rising star Figma. This piece explores Figma’s growing influence within Microsoft, a journey beginning with its integration post-Xamarin acquisition and evolving into a vital tool for designers globally.

Learn about the challenges and breakthroughs, including my firsthand experiences transitioning from traditional tools to Figma’s innovative, browser-based platform. This is a compelling read for anyone interested in the future of design collaboration.