As someone deeply passionate about design, I recently had the pleasure of attending my first Friends of Figma (FoF) event in Dubai. Having followed the Figma community online for some time, I finally got the chance to meet fellow designers in person, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. This event wasn’t just about gathering like-minded individuals; it was about forging connections, sharing insights, and expanding my view of design’s potential impact.

A Welcoming Community

From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was electric with excitement and creativity. Designers of all backgrounds, from beginners to veterans, had come together with a shared passion for design and collaboration. What struck me the most was the sense of community. Even though it was my first time attending, I immediately felt welcomed, and it was like stepping into a group of old friends. Meeting everyone felt like a dream! It was a reminder of how important it is to connect with others in the design field—to learn, share ideas, and grow together.

Key Moments That Stood Out

There were several standout moments during the event that left a lasting impression on me.

Herve Collignon’s Talk: The Global Impact of Design

One of the most inspiring sessions came from Herve Collignon, who delved into the broader impact of design on the world. His talk really resonated with me because it shifted my perspective on what design can achieve. He didn’t just speak about design in isolation; instead, he explored how it influences industries, cultures, and even societal structures. He reminded us that design has the power to shape how people interact with the world, from small user interface tweaks to large-scale systems that touch millions of lives. This realization encouraged me to think more deeply about the ripple effects of the work we do as designers.

Robert Dawin Pinna’s Insights on UX Metrics

Another session that stood out was Robert Dawin Pinna’s exploration of UX metrics. While the term might sound highly technical, Pinna managed to break it down in a way that highlighted its importance to design. His talk emphasized that design is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about creating actionable insights that can drive real change. By tracking key UX metrics, designers can transform their creations into something measurable and, therefore, improvable. This approach made me realize how essential it is to ground our creative work in data and how that data can serve as a guiding light for future design decisions.

Exciting Figma Updates: The Future of Design with AI

As if the inspiring talks weren’t enough, the Figma team took the stage to share some of their latest updates, and there was palpable excitement in the room. They announced new AI-driven features, which promise to revolutionize how we approach design tasks. These updates sparked animated discussions among attendees, as everyone started imagining how AI could streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and even automate repetitive tasks. While AI’s role in design has been a topic of debate, seeing how Figma is implementing it in ways that support designers rather than replace them was reassuring. The future of design feels closer and more exciting than ever!

Connections That Last

One of the best parts of the event was the opportunity to meet so many talented designers. I had the pleasure of connecting with some incredible individuals, including Muhammad Danish, Gauravi Linjara, Lucie Bordelais, and Arthur Houdebine. Each person brought their own unique experiences and perspectives to the table, and our conversations ranged from creative workflows to industry challenges. These connections reminded me of the importance of networking, not just for professional growth but for personal inspiration and camaraderie. There’s something incredibly valuable about having a community of people who understand the challenges and triumphs of the design world.

Looking Ahead

Leaving the Friends of Figma event, I felt energized, inspired, and eager to dive deeper into my own design journey. This experience reinforced the importance of community, continuous learning, and staying open to new technologies and methodologies. I realized how much I need to keep attending these meetups, not just to learn from others but also to share my own experiences and ideas. The design community in Dubai is thriving, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

In conclusion, attending the Friends of Figma Dubai event was a powerful reminder of the impact that design—and designers—can have on the world. It encouraged me to think bigger, push boundaries, and stay connected with the creative minds around me. I can’t wait for the next meetup and all the exciting things that lie ahead in the world of design!