Lessons for Myself

Dylan Field | October 2024

As I look back on my journey so far with Figma, there are a few key lessons that stand out as guideposts for myself and others seeking to create meaningful change.

Trust in Your Vision

When we started Figma, the idea of a collaborative, multiplayer design tool was radical. Many said it couldn't be done, that creative work was inherently individual. But we trusted our vision of empowering teams through seamless collaboration.

"The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do." - Steve Jobs

Embrace Serendipity

Looking back, some of Figma's most impactful features were the result of serendipitous accidents or unexpected discoveries. The best innovations often arise from play and experimentation, not rigid planning.

"I don't repeat successes, I hunt for happy accidents." - Buckminster Fuller

Build for Longevity

In our hyper-connected age, it's easy to get caught up in short-term trends and hype cycles. But the most meaningful work endures through principles of quality, craftsmanship, and ethical consideration. Always build with longevity in mind.

"If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?" - Albert Einstein

These lessons have guided me through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. I offer them humbly, in hopes that they might inspire others to challenge convention and create a brighter future through technology.