Figma’s 10-year anniversary has me reflecting on my own Figma journey.
1. Tinkering on libraries WITH OTHER PEOPLE in 2016.
There have only been a handful of formative magic software moments for me, and editing a file with other people at the same time was definitely one of them. I remember noodling on a component library with Jesse. We were just making some edits to color styles, but it was extra cool it was happening in the same file at the same time. It was an exciting year of tool exploration.
2. Getting to see first-time reactions to the collaborative magic moment for months.
Jesse and I ran onboarding workshops and got to see reactions to said magic moment for months. It was kind of like recommending a movie to someone and then creepily watching them to see their reaction during a specific scene.
3. Joining a livestream with Tom (who would then become my manager 2 years later)!
My laptop shut down in the middle of the livestream, but Tom was a great host and everything was fine! Two years later, he’s a great manager and everything is fine!
4. Not one shirt but TWO (Config 2020).
For some reason, getting two shirts instead of one at a conference was especially memorable. But it was all the other thoughtful details that stuck.
5. Working on three designsystems.com articles.
I teamed up with Jesse, Lynn, Justin, Mele, and Alex to tell our design system story. We were originally going to do four articles, but ended up doing three.
6. Signing for Figma.
I was so stoked. Also, I never thought this picture would see the light of day.
7. Hosting a stage at Config 2021 with Tom.
I ran around the house while yelling to prepare. All the cheerleaders (like Miggi) helped!
8. Hosting Schema 2021 with Tom.
(Ok last one with Tom) I couldn’t run around to prepare this time since we were in a studio, so I ate many a mochi muffin instead.
9. Hosting Config 2022 for eight hours with Kiko.
A 24-hr conference format meant shifts, so Kiko and I hosted for our APAC friends! Some Config 2022 highlights.
10. Celebrating the Figma Japan launch.
I joined Figma during the pandemic, so most events were remote. Being with our Japanese community in-person was special. Definitely looking forward to more in-person events soon.
Ten little blips in Figma’s history, but ten big moments in my Figma journey. Feel free to share your own Figma memories with me. Cheers to the memories ahead.