Growth Handbook - Framework, Mindset, Channels, and Virality | Glasp

Growth Handbook - Framework, Mindset, Channels, and Virality | Glasp

Accessible Design for a Remote World: In Conversation w/Dylan Field of Figma

In the world of startups, success often hinges on the founders' ability to make their ventures take off. It's not about trying too hard to make initial users happy, but rather finding the right strategies and channels to reach a wider audience. This notion was emphasized in the Growth Handbook by Glasp, which explores the framework, mindset, channels, and virality necessary for startup growth.

One startup that embodies these principles is Figma, a design tool that has gained tremendous popularity in a remote world. In a conversation with Dylan Field, the co-founder of Figma, he shared insights into their journey and the lessons they learned along the way.

When Figma was in its early stages, Field and his team applied for the Thiel Fellowship, a program that supports young entrepreneurs. It was during this process that they realized WebGL would be the future of creative tools. Recognizing the potential, they reached out to Aviary, a company that had experimented with WebGL before. Despite Aviary's warnings and reasons why it was a terrible idea, Figma saw an opportunity and decided to pursue it.

To ensure their product resonated with designers, Field took a unique approach. He used a network visualization tool to identify designers he was inspired by and mapped their networks. By reaching out to these designers and offering to buy them coffee in exchange for feedback on the early product, Figma was able to gather valuable insights and refine their offering.

However, Figma's initial strategy was flawed. They had planned to build a community for designers, similar to Dribbble, where they could come together and collaborate on designs. But they soon realized that they needed to focus on generating revenue first before building the community. This shift in mindset allowed them to align their priorities and better serve their users.

Reflecting on his experience, Field advises startups to launch earlier than they may initially feel ready. By doing so, they can generate excitement around their vision and receive valuable feedback from early adopters. He does acknowledge the importance of ensuring the product is ready to satisfy users, but believes that the benefits of early launch outweigh the risks.

In a world where people are craving connection, even virtual spaces like Figma have become gathering spots. During the pandemic, Figma saw users engaging in activities like playing virtual games within the platform. This highlights the importance of creating spaces where people can come together and foster a sense of community.

In conclusion, the growth of startups relies on various factors, including the founders' drive, the right strategies, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Figma's journey exemplifies the importance of listening to insights, launching early, and creating spaces for users to gather. By incorporating these actionable pieces of advice, startups can set themselves on a path towards success in a remote world.