Figma CEO explains why creative people shouldn't worry about AI-generated design

Figma's chief executive argues that creative professionals need not fear AI-generated design, viewing the current era as an opportunity to push boundaries. Dylan Field told The New York Times podcast that AI models are trained on existing distributions of data and tend to produce designs that feel familiar or average. Humans, by contrast, can craft work that is fundamentally new and personal. He predicts the AI era will drive more interactive and expressive software, encouraging designers to treat software as a creative medium rather than a purely technical tool.

Field also rejected the notion of an imminent job apocalypse for designers, suggesting roles will become more generalist as professionals blend design and other skills. He noted that some brands are seeking authenticity by delivering work that clearly transcends AI generation, particularly in advertising. At Figma, the company has released AI-driven vibe design tools and competes with offerings from Google and Anthropic. The interview was recorded in San Francisco after a recent company event, and Field emphasized that experimentation and originality should define the next era of design.