

912: Why did Figma buy a CMS?
113 snips Jun 17, 2025
Wes sits down with James Mikrut, the founder of Payload CMS, recently acquired by Figma. They dive into the exciting implications of this acquisition, discussing how it enhances collaboration between design and development. Topics include Payload's innovative features, the role of AI in CMS evolution, and how this change benefits users. James also shares insights on the future of web interfaces and the balance between customization and usability, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging.
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Payload's Unique CMS Vision
- Payload CMS is designed as a hybrid app framework focusing on application backends, not just content management.
- Payload aims to bridge the gap between design fidelity and code architecture.
Why Figma Bought a CMS
- Figma bought a CMS to close the gap between high-fidelity design and practical code implementation.
- Payload's CMS naturally slots into Figma's workflow to manage data sources and design-to-code integration.
LLMs Thrive with Declarative Config
- Large Language Models (LLMs) perform best when operating within predefined business logic and declarative configurations.
- Payload's declarative config gives LLMs a powerful set of guardrails for accurate and maintainable output.