Our latest research highlights the skills designers need to meet the moment.

Figma is a collaborative interface design tool that enables teams to create, prototype, and collaborate on digital designs in real-time. From their blog, readers can learn about user interface design, design systems, and prototyping techniques. With documentation, tutorials, and design resources, Figma empowers designers and developers to create beautiful and functional user experiences.

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Based on Figma's State of the Designer 2026 research, five key skills are emerging as critical for designers in the AI era: AI fluency and prompt engineering, cross-functional collaboration, systems thinking, designing AI-powered product features with genuine user value, and maintaining visual craft and taste. Over half of designers and hiring managers rank AI design skills as essential, with 91% of AI-adopting designers reporting better outputs and 89% reporting faster work. The post emphasizes that while AI accelerates exploration and lowers barriers, human judgment, intuition, and craft remain irreplaceable differentiators.

5 design skills to sharpen in the AI era

1. Building up your AI toolkit—and your prompting prowess

2. Leaning into multiplayer product building

4. Creating AI features that add value, not just sparkle

5. Upholding craft through visual polish, taste, and intention