Year: 2025
Company: Genetec inc.
My role Product designer & developer
The team: Self-initiated, later joined by principal designer
Stack Generative AI, JavaScript, Figma Plugin API, Tailwind CSS, Modular Architecture, Azure DevOps

TL;DR

  • 70% time saved on file compliance tasks
  • Compliance adoption accelerated across design teams
  • Reduced errors & manual fixes through proactive audits
  • Empowered designers to focus on design, not processes

The problem

With the rollout of new compliance guidelines by the Design Ops team, designers were burdened with repetitive, manual tasks to align Figma files with standards. Templates existed but weren’t enough. The process was tedious, error-prone, and a bottleneck in daily workflows, reducing team efficiency.

1. Figma for dummy files, that documents our processes
1. Figma for dummy files, that documents our processes
2. Sample of the file, very long and detailed documentation
2. Sample of the file, very long and detailed documentation

The Opportunity

I identified a clear need to automate file compliance directly within Figma. By understanding the workflows and pain points of designers, I proposed building a Figma Plugin Assistant that would:

  • Automate file structuring and naming conventions
  • Audit existing files for compliance
  • Offer guided, no-friction correction flows

Generative AIs helped me in the coding phase.

Design & UX Approach

Plugin UI Design Process

Before diving into development, I designed a lightweight, frictionless interface that would seamlessly fit within Figma’s workspace. This design approach ensured that the plugin augmented designers’ workflow without adding cognitive load, keeping interactions efficient and self-explanatory.

1. Screens designed
1. Screens designed
2. Specs documentation (About page)
2. Specs documentation (About page)
3. Specs documentation (cover)
3. Specs documentation (cover)
4. Specs documentation
4. Specs documentation

Initial Focus: File Generation Mode

  • Auto-create standard pages (Cover, Overview, Artifacts)
  • Apply correct naming conventions
  • Pre-fill project info dynamically
Wizard for document creation

Evolution: linter mode

After adoption of the initial version, we extended the plugin to include:

  • Compliance auditing (file structure, naming)
  • Real-time detection of issues
  • One-click fixes with clear actions

Smart Mode Switching

The plugin detects if the file has already been structured and toggles between File Generation and Linter modes automatically.

1. Linter proposition
1. Linter proposition
2. Prompt when the file was already set up
2. Prompt when the file was already set up

Impact

  • 70% reduction in time spent on file preparation tasks
  • Increased adoption of Design Ops compliance standards
  • Eliminated friction between enforcement and designers’ productivity
  • Boosted team morale by reducing tedious, manual workload
  • Significantly reduced errors in file structuring and naming
Published plugin in Figma

Outcome & Reflection

This plugin became a catalyst for transforming compliance from a chore into an embedded, fluid part of the design workflow. It fostered a culture of quality, autonomy, and operational efficiency.

Beyond solving a tedious task, it sparked discussions around design tooling scalability and initiated further automation initiatives within the team.