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Product & Design Pulse v39
Figma Enters a New Era
Malcom Jones
May 12, 2025
Welcome to this week’s edition of Product & Design Pulse, where we explore the latest in tech, product, design, and innovation! Figma introduces four new products and delivers a vision for AI that enhances, rather than replaces, human creativity. Apple is doubling down on custom chip development for future devices like AR glasses and AI servers, while Google faces mounting pressure as the DOJ proposes breaking up its ad tech business. Ben Thompson explores the unchecked influence of platform gatekeepers, and Microsoft gears up for Build 2025 with a developer-first agenda. Plus, fresh product updates from Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify are redefining how we watch, shop, and discover.
Last week…
Figma CEO Dylan Field on AI and Product Expansion
At Figma’s Config 2025 conference, CEO Dylan Field unveiled four new products—Figma Sites, Make, Buzz, and Draw—marking the company’s most significant expansion to date. Field emphasized a renewed approach to AI integration, focusing on modular models like Claude Sonnet 3.7 to enhance design workflows responsibly. He believes that while AI can augment creativity, human-centric design remains the key differentiator in the industry.
Apple Develops Specialized Chips for Future Devices
Apple is advancing its hardware capabilities by developing specialized chips for smart glasses, new Macs, and AI servers. These chips, based on Apple Watch architecture, are designed to support multiple cameras and advanced processing needs, with mass production targeted for late 2026 or 2027. This initiative reflects Apple’s commitment to expanding its hardware ecosystem and competing in emerging tech markets.
DOJ Proposes Breaking Up Google’s Ad Tech Business
The U.S. Department of Justice has proposed that Google divest parts of its advertising business, specifically its Ad Exchange and ad management platform, to address antitrust violations. The DOJ’s phased plan includes creating APIs for interoperability, allowing data export, and releasing auction code under an open-source license. Google opposes the proposal, arguing that divestiture would be technically complex and harm customers, and instead offers to make targeted changes to its business practices.
Ben Thompson on the Underrated Power of Platforms
In his Stratechery article, Ben Thompson discusses how platform power, such as Apple’s control over its App Store, can lead to anticompetitive practices. He argues that while platforms offer benefits, their unchecked control can stifle competition and innovation. Thompson emphasizes the need for balance between platform control and open competition to foster a healthy tech ecosystem.
Microsoft’s Developer Guide to Build 2025
Microsoft’s upcoming Build 2025 conference, scheduled for May 19-22, will focus on developer-centric content, including sessions on Visual Studio, VS Code, Azure, .NET, and AI integration. The event will feature keynotes from CEO Satya Nadella and CTO Kevin Scott, highlighting Microsoft’s vision for the future of development. Developers can register to attend virtually or in person and customize their schedules to maximize the conference experience.
