17 March 2025
Figma’s design principles guide the creation of a powerful yet intuitive tool that supports designers in solving complex problems with precision and ease. The principles are organized into three overarching themes:
By balancing power with approachability and responsibility with innovation, Figma continuously refines how design tools empower creative work.
Source: Figma Design Principles
Design is about finding novel solutions for complex problems. Our tools shape the solutions we are able to explore, so Figma needs to be powerful to allow our users to express any idea they have.
Theme: Professional
Figma is a tool for experts and professionals for which accuracy is critical; we need to allow people to be accurate and precise in everything they do.
Theme: Professional
One of the key pillars of building software is the possibility to leverage reusable blocks to build something new and more complex.
Computers do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the concept.
Theme: Professional
When features are added we strive to respect the system, building on users trust and prior experience.
When we introduce a new pattern, we do so mindfully.
Theme: Approachable
The tool will naturally bend toward complexity, and we'll have to actively work against that tendency.
Keep the simple things simple, and make the complex things possible.
Theme: Approachable
Our solutions should be based on the way humans think, rather than how computers work. This is to support their intuitive understanding of how the tool works.
Theme: Approachable
Figma feels comfortable challenging existing conventions and industry standards, but also learns from others and avoid running in circles.
Theme: Thoughtful
Our tool is built to allow people to express thoughts with precision and care. We should hold ourselves to the same standard, keeping our craft polished to inspire others to do the same. We bring delight with details.
Theme: Thoughtful
The attention of our users is precious and we should guard them from unnecessary interruptions.
We should not assume, but research and test to understand their true intentions.
Theme: Thoughtful
Design is about finding novel solutions for complex problems. Our tools shape the solutions we are able to explore, so Figma needs to be powerful to allow our users to express any idea they have.
Theme: Professional
Figma is a tool for experts and professionals for which accuracy is critical; we need to allow people to be accurate and precise in everything they do.
Theme: Professional
One of the key pillars of building software is the possibility to leverage reusable blocks to build something new and more complex.
Computers do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the concept.
Theme: Professional
When features are added we strive to respect the system, building on users trust and prior experience.
When we introduce a new pattern, we do so mindfully.
Theme: Approachable
The tool will naturally bend toward complexity, and we'll have to actively work against that tendency.
Keep the simple things simple, and make the complex things possible.
Theme: Approachable
Our solutions should be based on the way humans think, rather than how computers work. This is to support their intuitive understanding of how the tool works.
Theme: Approachable
Figma feels comfortable challenging existing conventions and industry standards, but also learns from others and avoid running in circles.
Theme: Thoughtful
Our tool is built to allow people to express thoughts with precision and care. We should hold ourselves to the same standard, keeping our craft polished to inspire others to do the same. We bring delight with details.
Theme: Thoughtful
The attention of our users is precious and we should guard them from unnecessary interruptions.
We should not assume, but research and test to understand their true intentions.
Theme: Thoughtful
