Thread by @damiencorrell

Now that @figma #config2022 is a wrap, I wanted to briefly share how the branding came together. It was the 4th Config—my first—however I’m not a stranger to design conference branding (hello Schema and 7 @GoogleDesign SPAN events).

The prompt is largely the same: extend an events sub-brand (Config) that feels related to the core brand (Figma), but presents as a distinct installment (2022). Develop something new, with a few pieces of something known.

One consistent element has been the logo. And consistent is a funny word to use here, because the logo’s construction is varied and designed to continuously transform. It’s a mutable mark confident in its incongruity.

In the spirit of picking up what those before us put down, we were keen on maintaining the sensibility of the original logo. We started by rationalizing our shape system into something that loosely represented our Brainstorm→Design→Build construct.

Once you start to mix these the themes up, it more accurately reflects a real design process.

It’s not always linear or obvious. We often move fluidly, back and forth between phases. It’s iterative.

We then applied that shape system and a very-online RGB palette to a simple grid system to quickly (and “cheaply”) generate patterns for hundreds, if not thousands, of artifacts that need to be made.

And a wonderful thing about working @figma is that everyone here knows how to use it, and while the design system is intended to have a short shelf life, seeing it applied and reinforced by the events team in places like the speaker dinner menu is truly ☺️

With all things, this was a team effort. We worked with @bijanberahimi and the FISK team on the initial look and feel. Motion design by @jdashscott and @DevonMoodley. And of course our the whole Figma Brand Studio, especially @leandrocastelao, @hellooothankyou, + Mika.

Also! Figma's Brand Studio (and the rest of @figma) is very much hiring. figma.com/careers