| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Participant #1 | Participant #2 | Participant #3 | Participant#4 | Participant #5 | Participant #6 | Participant #7 | Participant #8 | ||||
2 | Kira | Lhu | Jason | Cherly | Alex | Leo | Zhou | James | ||||
3 | Product Designer | Product Designer | Product Designer | UX designer | UI/UX designer | UX designer | UI/visual designer | Visual Designer | ||||
4 | Questions | Answers | Answers | |||||||||
5 | When you think about search functionality in softwares or applications, are there any features you find particularly effective or user-friendly? | when I Google, they have a smart suggestions, predict what you want to type, pretty much guess what i want to type. auto correct | Spotify's robust search function enables users to discover music by artist, album, genre, or even mood, making music exploration easy. | Music searching function in NetEase Music, I could easily know what music the cafe is playing | I particularly like Taobao's image-searching functionality. Sometimes it's hard to describe what I want in words, this image-searching become very effective. | I enjoy using the search feature on iOS devices as it allows me to quickly find and access various types of content on my device. No matter it is apps, contacts, files, images, or even web search results, All I need to do is swipe down and type in keywords. | Google drive. I like how it filters search results by both file types and names. | Eagle (local version of pinterest), IOS image search | I find search features that provide real-time suggestions and auto-complete to be very effective. | Key Takeaways | ||
6 | How frequently do you find yourself using Figma as part of your design workflow? | Everyday, primary design tool | Everyday | Almost everyday | Very often | Very often | Very Frequently | Very often. Our team is now switching from Sketch to Figma. So Figma and Sketch 50:50 | Almost everyday, a critical tool in our design workflow. | |||
7 | What is the size of your team? Could you provide an estimate of the number of design files you manage or work on within Figma? Do you also need to manage other teams’ files? | 40 people, wish there is a counting feature when browsing how many files; small team 500 files; 2 design system file, personal files 3-5; only manage personal files. view the files that manage by others | 5 people, about 100 files, I need to manage all the files since we have a relatively small team. We have a unified cover for each design file and the naming of the files we tried to unify them as well. | 15 people, around 50 files, I need to manage other team's files | the size of my team is about 5 people. The estimate of the number of files is around 10 -15. I sometimes need to manage other teams' files. | UI+UX 13 people in total, 4 in charge of UX; the number of files varies according to the project, generally around 120 files, normally I need to manage 10 files; Sometimes I need to check on others' files, some components may be used repeatedly, so it is necessary to coordinate with each other about the same components. | Our team is small, fewer than 10 designers. We manage about 50-80 files per week. | There are 22 visual designers, 5 UI designers, and 3 UX designers in our department. I usually manage 2-3 files per day. I need to edit team files when collaborating with my colleagues and tutoring interns | Our design team consists of 5 members. We manage approximately 200 design files within Figma, and we also need access to some files from other teams for collaboration. | |||
8 | How do you currently organize and manage your design files in Figma? Are there any challenges you've encountered with file organization? How do you feel about it? | design ops will organized the files for each designers; start a new file will need to duplicate a template (the cover with info); messy, when you have a big team, when you want to find recent file it is okay, but you want to see the file from long time ago and created by others it will be hard; the recently views are missing some items. when seaching the file I will search the designer's name, the status of the person is not there (author or viewer) | we have WIP folders keeping all the design files that is currently under designing phase, and delieliverable folders keep all the completed files, and Archived ones which will need further adjustments, one folder for design system | Currently, I follow a structured system that involves creating a well-defined folder structure within Figma. I categorize files based on projects, components, and design iterations. This allows for easy navigation and retrieval of specific assets or screens when needed. However, I have faced a few challenges while managing design files in Figma. One notable challenge is version control. Although Figma provides version history, it can become overwhelming to manage multiple iterations and track changes, especially in larger design projects. To address this, I actively communicate with team members, documenting major design decisions and changes to maintain clarity and avoid confusion. | I leverage Figma's design library feature to create reusable components, styles, and assets. Organizing components within libraries using categories or tags helps me locate and reuse design elements efficiently. | We will manage it hierarchically. The first level is based on version, and each version corresponds to the functions of different systems. The second level is based on functional system, which is split into files. Finally, a single file is divided into partitions. We will also have a unified naming convention. Although there are naming conventions, the text description is not concise enough and difficult to search. In addition, the main challenge is that there are too many frames, making it difficult to locate, easy to select by mistake, and troublesome to find. | Team project folder-> Intro file+Research file+Lo-Fidelity file+Hi-Fidelity file for developers' feedback. In each file, there will be designer pages. We create different page folders and subpages using a plugin called "Advanced Page Organizer" for updated versions. | I name files by title and version. I always group and name components and layouts, so my colleagues and I can search them directly. But it's a huge amount of work. Most of my projects are individual projects, so I wish I could organize my personal Figma files in "draft" with folders like how I organize team files. It would be even more helpful if Figma allows creating folders within folders. | We organize our files into project-specific folders and use a naming convention to keep things tidy. However, as the number of files grows, it can become challenging to locate specific designs quickly. | |||
9 | When collaborating on projects within Figma, how do you handle version control and iterative design changes? How do you feel about it? | one version we want to move forward, we will duplicated the page and design by other people, mark the versions on the list views; For now, it is okay, version control feature is not user friendly, there will not be so many iterations, so it is working more like a habbit. | I will create diff pages for diff iterations, like 1st, 2nd and final. If other designers handed over their design files to me and I will need to work on a seprate page to avoid touching the original design. For now, we don't have so many iterations, so it is working. | version control is crucial for tracking changes and managing iterative design. I utilize Figma's version history feature to document milestones and revert to previous versions when necessary. Collaborating with team members in real-time, I leverage shared components and design libraries to maintain consistency across iterations. Clear communication channels and documentation of major decisions ensure a smooth workflow and minimize confusion. Overall, Figma's collaborative features greatly enhance efficiency and facilitate effective design iteration. | Figma's version history feature allows me to track and manage different iterations of a design. I regularly create new versions at significant milestones or when making substantial changes. It helps me keep a record of design progress and provides a safety net to revert back if needed. | Keep the historical version, copy a new design file to make changes, and send it to the leader for review, and if it is approved, use the new version. I feel okay with this process. It might be better if Figma could keep a record of edits and changes | We create different page folders and subpages using a plugin called "Advanced Page Organizer" for updated versions. I think it's cconvenient. | Create separate pages in one file for each version. I label them by numbers, but sometimes the new version is only slightly different from the former one which makes it difficult for me to locate the exact page quickly. | We use Figma's built-in version control, which works well for tracking changes. However, it can get confusing when multiple team members make simultaneous edits. | |||
10 | Have you ever faced difficulties in locating specific design files or assets within Figma? If yes, how did you manage or resolve this issue? | Yes. sometimes want to find a file done by other designers, I dont know where is it and name. Search the name of the designer, or the keyword, but the correct version didn't come up, has to ask the designer. search a conponents, eg the button, some molecules with the atom came up; and searching icons are harder, might need to remember the name of the icon | Yes, When I try to find a certain component in the design system but I don't remember the name of it, it will take some time for me to locate the component, especially icons. | Yes, there have been instances where locating specific design files or assets within Figma has posed challenges. To address and resolve this issue, I have implemented a strategies such as organized folder dtructure, tagging and labeling, regular cleanup and archiving, etc. | I use clear and consistent naming conventions for design files and assets. Including project names, dates, or relevant keywords in the file names helps me quickly identify and locate specific items during searches. | I remember the time when I was working on a design project and had trouble finding the right icon or asset in my files. The names didn't match up with the actual content, and I was left zooming in and out manually to find what I needed. It was such a frustrating experience that taught me the importance of managing all components and assets correctly from the beginning to avoid these issues. | We organize them carefully, but it's hard to find stuff in my colleague's page. I have to ask them where they are. | Too many versions. I have to check each page to find the version I am looking for. | Yes, sometimes it's challenging to find specific files, especially when the naming convention isn't followed. We typically resort to asking colleagues or scrolling through folders to locate them. | |||
11 | Can you describe your typical use of the search feature within Figma? What tasks or scenarios prompt you to use it? | when I try to use the conponent from the library, will seach it from Assets; search by the name or the project on the home page | when I try to use the conponent from the library, I will seach it from Assets; the other one is when I am looking for some files I will use the search bar on the home page | When working on a project, I often find myself in need of specific design assets, such as icons, illustrations, or images. The search feature allows me to quickly find and access these assets by entering relevant keywords. It saves time and ensures that I can easily incorporate the required visual elements into my designs. | Navigating Complex Design Files: In larger design files with numerous artboards, frames, and layers, finding a specific element can be challenging. The search feature becomes extremely handy in such scenarios. By searching for the name or description of an element, I can swiftly locate and select it, enabling efficient navigation within complex design files. | Actually, I don't search very often. I typically navigate to the document and visually locate what I need. If I do need to search, it may be for a specific piece of text or component, which can be challenging due to everyone's different naming conventions and the possibility of not finding any results. | Assets and components | I don't sometimes use it. Like when editing team files or when there are too much stuff in one page/file | I primarily use the search feature in Figma to find specific design files or components quickly. It's especially useful when I'm looking for something I haven't worked on recently. | |||
12 | Have you used the search feature to find visual elements before? If so, could you share your impressions of the experience? | The conponents | Yes, the icons or other components in the design system | The search feature in Figma provides fast and accurate results when finding visual elements like icons or illustrations. It saves time and enhances productivity by swiftly sifting through design assets, including shared libraries, and presenting relevant items. The flexibility and efficiency of the search feature greatly benefit the design process. | Not very often, but sometimes used for searching components | Searching for components is more common, but the overall feeling is that it is still unreliable. | Not very often. My work focus more on research and analyzing. | I use Figma to design logos, icons, vector illustrations, and user interfaces, so yes. I search them by name. It's feels okay because I always name them. | Yes, I've used it to find components or assets within a design file. It's helpful, but sometimes the results are overwhelming if there are similar elements with slight variations. | |||
13 | Are there any specific challenges or frustrations you've encountered while using the current search feature in Figma? | Same as the previous answer | If you don't remember the name of the conponent, it is taking longer time for you to locate it | Limited Contextual Search: The search feature in Figma primarily relies on keywords and names to generate results. However, it may not always consider contextual information or visual attributes of elements. This can make it challenging to locate specific visual elements based on their appearance or characteristics. | Lack of Advanced Filtering: Figma's search feature does not currently offer advanced filtering options, such as filtering by date, file type, or specific properties. This limitation can make it more difficult to narrow down search results, especially in scenarios where there are numerous files or design assets. | It can be difficult to find components within the same file and switching between systems can be troublesome. I sometimes have to ask other designers, but I worry about interrupting them or not getting a timely response. We'll share the link to the overall document in the group chat, but only when the design is finalized. | As far as I know, Figma does not have a feature for searching comments. Comments usually include potential changes for future versions. Allowing to search comments might improve the user experience of sorting between different versions. | Different designers have different naming habits. That can cause some trouble. | One frustration is that search results can be cluttered, and it's not always easy to distinguish between similar items. Additionally, it would be great if the search could recognize synonyms or related terms. | |||
14 | How do you currently navigate and filter search results in Figma? Is this process intuitive for you? | go through all of them and find the one I want;if they can give more accurate results will be better; | I will use the sort feature or change it to the list view, so I can see the owner of the design file | filter search results by file type, such as design files (.fig), libraries, or prototypes. | filter search results to show files or assets created by a specific user or collaborator. | It can only filter file types, which is not intuitive. But I like that when you click something in the list, the canvas will be directly navigate to its position. It is useful compared to Adobe Photoshop. | It's intuitive, but definitely can be improved. I like how Figma highlights keywords in search results. | It’s not bad. We name every file so they are easier to locate. But it's a lot of work to name the files and every component/layout/group with in that file. | I mainly rely on keyword searches and scrolling through results. Some additional filters or sorting options would be helpful. | |||
15 | What are the types of assets or elements you most commonly search for in Figma (e.g., files, components, fonts)? which type of the document is the hardest one to locate? | Conponents in design system; | conponents in the design system, some files owned by me, recently modified files | Design Files | Frames or Artboards, Components, Styles | components and fonts; I think frames are the hardest to locate, normally they have the same name or just tiny differences. | component and frame names in team files. | Type, because it's the easiest to locate. | fonts and design files | |||
16 | Can you recall a time when you couldn't find what you were looking for using the search feature? Could you explain that situation? | Had to ask the designer where is file is; Ownership will change, from one to the other, the file I found it but the page is hidden | Yes, I need to ask my colleagues where is the file, because I tried to seach all the keywords I can think about but still did not find it | In a large project, I couldn't find a button component using Figma's search feature. The issue was due to naming discrepancies and imprecise search terms. I refined my queries and sought collaborative assistance, emphasizing the importance of accurate naming conventions and precise search terms. | I struggled to find a specific icon set using Figma's search feature. Inconsistent naming and limited metadata contributed to the issue. I tried alternative search queries, manually scanned folders, and improved file organization to overcome the challenge. | I don't use the search feature that much. The only situation is when I try to search for a component, there is no result because the name can not accurately decribe the component. | Answered in former questions. | Search among different versions. | There have been instances when I couldn't find a specific design file because the file name wasn't clear or it wasn't stored in the expected folder. This can be frustrating and time-consuming. | |||
17 | What aspects of the current search feature work well for you? | Not that effective, but can make my work more effecient when I know what I want, for new comers, it is harder | Searching pages in a design file, for example, the design system has many pages so the search feature becomes very useful. But I feel that if I am a new comer in the team I need to spend time reviewing the documents and remember the names of the pages to work more efficiently. | Comprehensive Search Scope: Figma's search feature covers various dimensions, including file names, component names, text within designs, comments, and layer names. This broad search scope ensures that I can find specific items regardless of where the relevant information is located. | Cross-Project Search: The ability to search across multiple projects within my organization is a valuable feature. It allows me to locate relevant design files or assets from different projects without having to switch between individual project spaces, enhancing my productivity and efficiency. | the highlight in the list, and the navigation in the page | Most of the frames/layouts have text, so I can search them directly. | Able to search for files and search in files. | The speed of the search feature is excellent, and it usually returns relevant results. Auto-suggestions while typing are also a plus. | |||
18 | Are there any particular improvements or additions you'd like to see in the search functionality? How do you envision these changes benefiting your work? | Prediction can be better; some search results might be they think it is good for you, but not what I want; lacking categorized search results for you, own by whom is under the second level search | If I can describle in a natual language what I want to seach that will be very helpful. | Introducing visual search functionality would be a valuable addition. Being able to upload an image or select a specific design element and search for similar or related components or assets would save time and effort. It would help me discover relevant design resources and find inspiration for my work. | Enhanced Search Filters: Expanding the range of available search filters would be valuable. For instance, having the ability to filter search results based on criteria like color, style, or specific metadata attributes associated with components or assets. This would enable me to refine search results and find items that match specific design requirements more effectively. | It will be great if we can not only search by the name of file, but also some visual characteristics, | A more organized display of search results. A lot of them are similar which makes it difficult to differentiate. And a filter/sort tool to search for only components/buttons/frames/layouts... | I wish I could organize Figma files with unlimited layers of "folders" like how I organize local files or files in drives. It would be great if there is an intuitive naming or auto-naming feature. It would be even better to have a customizable but standardized template for naming the file and assets. | I would like to have a tutorial and guide on font effects in the search function, which will work to improve the efficiency of design workflow. | |||
19 | Have you had any encounters with generative AI tools? If so, could you elaborate on which tools you've used and share your overall experiences with them? | ChatGPT, NotionAI; at the begining, I think it is great, they can help you to filter the results (compare to using Google to search) | ChatGPT, I think it is very useful especially for non-native English speakers, I was using Grammarly for writting but now I think ChatGPT is better | Adobe Sensei is an AI-powered technology integrated into various Adobe Creative Cloud applications. It offers features like content-aware fill, auto colorization, and font recognition, which leverage generative AI algorithms. These tools enhance my design workflow by automating repetitive tasks and providing intelligent suggestions. Overall, my experience with Adobe Sensei has been positive, as it augments my creativity and efficiency in design projects. | I have used Runway ML, which is a platform that offers various generative AI models and tools. It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of pre-trained models for tasks like image generation, style transfer, and text generation. My experience with Runway ML has been positive, as it allows me to explore creative possibilities and generate unique design assets using AI-powered algorithms. | chatGPT for copywriting revision, Mdjourney for some inspiration, PS AI(beta) makes image editing more intuitive. | Chatgpt | 百度的文心和ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Magician, a Figma AI plugin for AI-generated icons, logos and images. | I currently mainly use Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, which don't perfectly represent my needs, but they can improve efficiency, which can help 30%, and 70% needs to be improved step by step manually. | |||
20 | What is your typical use of generative AI in your work? | Yes, write documentation (project summary) make it perfect, but will recheck again and make it sounds like myself; write an email and make it more professional | When I try to write something such as logics for developers to implement the design I will draft the text and ask ChatGPT to write it in a more professional way, and I will check it again to make it sounds like it was my style | Char GPT helps me with design exploration, it can be used to generate multiple design variations quickly. By inputting specific parameters or constraints, it helps me in brainstorming and ideation phases, fostering creativity and expanding design options. | As a UX designer, my typical use of generative AI involves exploring design variations, automating repetitive tasks, and generating personalized recommendations for users. | ChatGPT. I use it in various situations as it is a powerful and versatile AI tool | Chatgpt | ChatGPT, Midjourney,(had to switch to alternatives in China after they were no longer free), now文心和Magician | Midjourney, Stable Diffusion; text to image, image to image | |||
21 | How important is it for you to have control and transparency over AI-generated suggestions in the search results? What level of customization and refinement would you prefer? | Very important, everything should be revisible for users; | It is very important to me, users should have the right to revise the answers | As a product designer, having control and transparency over AI-generated suggestions in search results is crucial. I value the ability to customize and refine suggestions to align with specific design needs. A balance between AI-generated insights and manual curation allows for personalized and accurate search results, enhancing my design process. | control and transparency over AI-generated suggestions in search results are vital. Customization and refinement options ensure relevance, accuracy, and alignment with user needs, enhancing the overall user experience. | Very necessary. More visible template, use more intuitive buttons instead of having to revise the prompts. | It can be very helpful, but I am not sure how intuitive AI can be when sorting files. Some files/pages only have small differences. | If Figma can incorporate AI naming, AI search, and AI filters, it would save me a huge amount of unnecessary work. | Control and transparency are crucial. I would prefer the ability to customize AI-generated suggestions to align with our brand guidelines and design preferences. Having the option to refine and fine-tune suggestions would be highly valuable. | |||
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| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | P1 Completion | P1 SEQ | P2 Completion | P2 SEQ | P3 Completion | P3 SEQ | |
2 | Task 1: Let’s say you’re interested in learning about climate change from this website. Where would you go? | 0 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 3 |
3 | Task 2: Find a course that would teach you about the importance of climate change. | 0 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
4 | Task 3: Let’s say you’d want to change this content that could make it easier to understand. What would you do? | 0 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 0 | - |
5 | Task 4: How long do you think it will take you to complete this course? | 1 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 0 | - |
6 | Task 5: Let’s say there’s a competition for you to test your knowledge of climate science amongst other students. Where would you go? | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | - |
7 | Task 6: Let’s say there’s an online social group that consists of other ClimateScience students. Where would you go? | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 1 | - |