Is Figma Turning Into the Next Adobe? This is why Figma is turning into another User-Hostile tool for designers.

Remember the good ol’ days of Adobe? It was THE tool for creators. But slowly, it morphed into this monster, and now designers spend countless hours searching for ways to escape its clutches. With the Adobe+Figma deal falling through, it seems Figma might be heading down the same user-hostile path.

If you cannot read the entire article on Medium, here is the link to this article on LinkedIn.

Picture generated by MidJourney (Prompt: Illustration of Figma being hostile toward designers)

The Warning Signs: Why Figma Might Be Losing Its Way

1. File Ownership — Who’s the Boss?: In Figma’s cloud-based world, your files aren’t truly yours. This can be convenient for collaboration, but it also means you’re at the mercy of Figma’s servers and policies. Imagine losing access to your work due to a server outage or a policy change — a nightmare scenario for any designer.
2. Pricing Monopoly and Hidden Costs: Figma might lure you in with its free tier, but the costs quickly escalate. From limitations on the number of projects and editors to hidden fees for additional storage or features, Figma can become a financial burden, especially for freelancers and small teams.
3. Ahead of the Competition, But Still Lacking: While Figma boasts impressive features like real-time collaboration and powerful prototyping tools, it still lags behind in some essential areas. Basic functionalities like vector editing and asset management are not as robust as in other software, leaving designers wanting more.
4. Performance Issues — Snail-paced Design: As your projects grow in complexity, Figma’s performance can take a nosedive. Lagging interactions, slow loading times, and frequent crashes can disrupt your workflow and make even simple tasks frustratingly slow.
5. Lack of Customization — One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Figma’s interface and workflows can feel rigid and inflexible. Limited customization options make it difficult to tailor the tool to your specific needs and preferences, forcing you to adapt to Figma’s way of doing things instead of the other way around.

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6. Locking Essential Features Behind Pay-walls: Figma’s free tier is enticing, but many essential features are locked behind a subscription. This includes things like version history, advanced prototyping tools, and the ability to create and share design systems, which are crucial for professional designers.

7. Simplicity vs. Feature Bloat — Less is More: Figma started as a simple and intuitive tool, but it’s becoming increasingly bloated with features. This can make it overwhelming for new users and slow down even seasoned designers. The constant addition of new features can also lead to bugs and inconsistencies, making the tool-less reliable.

8. Ignoring User Feedback — Deaf Ears: Figma’s user community is vocal, but their feedback often seems to fall on deaf ears. Feature requests and bug reports often go unanswered, leaving users frustrated and feeling unheard. This lack of communication can erode trust and make users feel like their opinions don’t matter.

9. Focus on Collaboration, But What About Solo Designers?: While Figma’s collaborative features are undoubtedly valuable, they might be overshadowing the needs of individual designers. Figma used to be a fantastic starting point for new designers to hone their craft, but the increasing complexity and focus on team collaboration can make it less approachable for solo designers.

10. Lack of Offline Mode — Always Connected: Figma’s dependence on an internet connection can be a major drawback for designers who travel or work in areas with limited connectivity. This lack of offline functionality can disrupt your workflow and make it impossible to work on your projects when you’re not connected to the internet.

Conclusion: A Fork in the Road

Figma’s potential to become the next Adobe is a serious concern for the design community. If Figma continues down this path of prioritizing features over usability, ignoring user feedback, and focusing on enterprise clients at the expense of individual designers, it risks alienating its user base and losing its position as a leader in the industry. It’s time for Figma to listen to its users and prioritize their needs before it’s too late.