As we dive into the evolving landscape of design and software tools, I’m thrilled to sit down with Vijay Raina, a renowned expert in enterprise SaaS technology and software architecture. With his deep insights into the industry, Vijay offers a unique perspective on how platforms like Figma are shaping the future of design and development, particularly in emerging markets like India. In this conversation, we explore Figma’s strategic expansion into India, the challenges of redefining its image among developers, the impact of local user feedback on product innovation, and the role of community in driving adoption. Let’s get started.
What makes India such a critical market for Figma’s growth and expansion strategy?
India’s importance to Figma stems from its massive and dynamic user base, particularly its developer community, which is one of the largest in the world. After the U.S., India is Figma’s second-largest market, with users spread across most of the country’s states. This scale offers a huge opportunity to tap into diverse talent and innovation. Beyond numbers, the unique needs and usage patterns of Indian users—especially in high-growth sectors like startups and IT services—provide invaluable insights that can shape global product strategies. It’s not just about market size; it’s about the potential to co-create solutions with a community that’s pushing boundaries.
How is Figma working to shift the perception among Indian developers that it’s more than just a design tool?
Changing mindsets is a big focus for Figma in India. Many developers still see it primarily as a tool for designers, not realizing its capabilities for end-to-end product creation. Figma is tackling this by highlighting features like dev mode, which streamlines translating designs into code, and by engaging directly with the developer community through workshops and events. They’re also leveraging storytelling to show how the platform bridges design and engineering workflows. It’s about demonstrating real value—showing developers they can do more than just code when they use Figma.
What’s the significance of Figma establishing a local office in Bengaluru for its operations in India?
Opening an office in Bengaluru is a game-changer for Figma. Until recently, they supported Indian users remotely from Singapore, which worked but lacked the personal touch. A local presence allows for deeper connections with customers and a better understanding of the market’s nuances. Initially, the office is focusing on boosting sales and marketing efforts, targeting both startups and large enterprises. It’s a signal of commitment—being on the ground means faster response times, tailored solutions, and stronger relationships with the Indian user base.
In what ways has feedback from Indian users influenced Figma’s product development?
Indian users have had a tangible impact on Figma’s roadmap. For example, feedback from this community led to significant improvements in code-export options, ensuring higher-quality outputs that developers can directly use. This kind of input is critical because Indian users often operate at a massive scale, presenting unique challenges that push Figma to refine its features. It’s a collaborative process—listening to small startups and large enterprises alike helps Figma build tools that are more robust and versatile for everyone.
What’s behind the massive adoption of Figma Make in India, with over 800,000 prototypes created?
The success of Figma Make in India is striking, and it reflects how Indian users are embracing AI-powered tools to accelerate their workflows. With over 800,000 prototypes generated, it’s clear that the feature resonates with a wide range of users, from designers to developers. What’s driving this is likely the need for speed and experimentation in a fast-paced market. Indian users seem to be using Figma Make to quickly turn ideas into functional web applications, which aligns with the country’s innovative spirit. This enthusiasm is also shaping how Figma thinks about future AI enhancements for the region.
How does the Friends of Figma community contribute to the platform’s growth in India?
The Friends of Figma community, with over 25,000 members in India, plays a huge role in spreading awareness and fostering adoption. It’s a grassroots network of passionate users—designers and developers—who share knowledge, host meetups, and showcase what’s possible with the platform. This kind of organic advocacy is invaluable for building trust and credibility. Figma sees this community as a partner in growth and is keen on supporting it further through events and initiatives that amplify their impact.
How does Figma position itself against competitors in the Indian market, especially with design tools and AI coding platforms?
In India, Figma is up against a mix of competitors—from traditional design tools like Adobe to newer players like Canva and even AI coding platforms. What sets Figma apart is its focus on collaboration and integration across design and development workflows. They’re not just competing on features but on creating a unified experience where teams can ideate, design, and build in one place. In a market as diverse as India, Figma’s browser-based accessibility and AI innovations give it an edge, especially for teams looking to move fast without being tied to heavy desktop software.
What’s your forecast for the role of collaborative design platforms like Figma in shaping India’s tech ecosystem over the next few years?
I believe collaborative design platforms like Figma will become central to India’s tech ecosystem in the coming years. As the country’s startup scene continues to boom and enterprises scale digitally, the need for tools that bridge design and development will only grow. Figma’s focus on real-time collaboration and AI-driven features positions it to empower teams to innovate faster, especially in a market where speed and adaptability are key. I expect we’ll see even deeper integration of such platforms into workflows, potentially redefining how products are built in India—from imagination to production.
