The controversy has sparked debate in the design community, with some fearing that AI tools like "Make Design" could eliminate jobs by bringing digital design to the masses. Others argue that AI could help eliminate repetitive work, allowing for more innovative ideas. Field has clarified that "Make Design" uses off-the-shelf large language models and systems commissioned for these models, but acknowledged that the variability is too low. The feature will remain disabled until Figma completes a full QA pass on the underlying design system.
Key takeaways:
- Figma CEO Dylan Field has announced that the company will temporarily disable its “Make Design” AI feature, which was accused of reproducing designs from Apple’s Weather app.
- The issue was first identified by Andy Allen, founder of NotBoring Software, who accused Figma of training its tool on existing apps, a claim that Field denies.
- Some designers have expressed concerns that AI tools like Make Design could eliminate jobs by making digital design more accessible, while others believe it could help eliminate repetitive work and allow for more innovative ideas.
- Field has stated that the Make Design feature will not be re-enabled until Figma has completed a full quality assurance pass on the feature’s underlying design system.