At the Config 2024 event, Figma introduced a new AI feature called “Make Designs,” which was designed to help create initial UI design elements through text prompts. However, shortly after its release, it was discovered that this tool could generate designs that closely resembled existing applications, including Apple’s Weather app. This raised serious concerns about intellectual property and design ethics.
Concerns About Intellectual Property and Design Ethics
The discovery that Figma’s “Make Designs” tool could generate designs similar to existing applications sparked a debate about the ethical implications of such AI-powered design tools. Concerns were raised that these tools could potentially be used to create derivative works that infringe on the intellectual property rights of other companies and designers.
Potential Impact on the Design Industry
This issue has raised questions about the potential impact of AI-powered design tools on the broader design industry. Some designers expressed concerns that these tools could lead to a devaluation of the design profession, as they could make it easier for non-designers to create visually appealing designs. There were also worries that the widespread use of such tools could lead to a homogenization of design, as designers might feel compelled to conform to the outputs generated by the AI.
