In Depth How Figma taps into taste, simplicity, and storytelling | Yuhki Yamashita (CPO at Figma, ex-Uber, Google, Microsoft)
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Dec 5, 2024 
Yuhki Yamashita, Chief Product Officer at Figma and former product leader at Uber, Google, and Microsoft, shares his insights on product design and storytelling. He discusses Figma’s evolution as a browser-based design tool and the importance of simple yet powerful products. Yuhki emphasizes the need for adaptability when transitioning from big tech to agile environments and the significance of storytelling in product development to engage users. His reflections on the dynamics of teamwork and nurturing taste highlight the journey from good to extraordinary product management.
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Figma's Early Success
- Figma's initial success involved betting on web technology for complex design tools, a concept considered speculative at the time.
- This bet, combined with Dylan Field's strategic engagement with design influencers, propelled Figma's early growth.
Joining Figma
- Yuhki joined Figma around 90 employees, drawn by the product's potential to bridge product and design workflows.
- Having experienced Figma's transformative impact at Uber, Yuhki saw the tool's potential to blur the lines between design and product.
Diverse Product Building Approaches
- Building products involves diverse approaches, each company having its own distinct culture and methods.
- There's no single right way; the key is solving user and business problems, adapting to the specific context.