Figma’s latest tool, Make Designs, aimed to revolutionize app mockups using generative AI technology. However, the tool was swiftly pulled after users noticed striking similarities between the designs it generated and Apple’s iOS weather app. CEO Dylan Field took responsibility for the mishap, attributing it to the pressure of meeting deadlines and defending the company’s approach to enhancing its AI capabilities.
The controversy was sparked by Andy Allen, CEO of Not Boring Software, who highlighted the uncanny resemblance between Figma’s designs and Apple’s app. As concerns over potential legal issues arose, Figma’s CTO Kris Rasmussen faced tough questions about the tool’s training methods. Despite denying direct training on Apple’s designs, doubts lingered over the source of the similarities.
The key AI models behind Make Designs, OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Amazon’s Titan Image Generator G1, raised suspicions about potential data training on Apple’s designs. Figma’s decision not to train its AI tools until users were informed about its policies added complexity to the situation.
Looking ahead, Figma plans to refine its AI models and ensure a more stringent quality control process before re-enabling Make Designs. This beta feature, like many in the tech industry, serves as an experimental ground for new capabilities that may require fine-tuning. As Figma prepares to relaunch Make Designs, the company remains committed to delivering valuable AI tools to its users through a transparent and responsible approach.
Stay tuned as Figma works to address these challenges and continues to push the boundaries of AI integration in design software.
