Avaliação da Inteligência Artificial assistiva no processo de prototipação de interfaces: um estudo comparativo entre Figma AI e métodos manuais

Abstract

Given the recent advancements in artificial intelligence in the field of interface design, tools like Figma are incorporating intelligent functionalities that promise to transform how prototypes are developed. These innovations aim to reduce repetitive effort, streamline processes, and improve the quality of final products. In this context, I intend to investigate how the artificial intelligence resources integrated into Figma will impact productivity in the development of interface prototypes. I conducted the study in collaboration with designers, who played a central role in the development of the experiment. Four of these designers were selected to develop the prototypes, with two assigned to the experimental group (using AI integrated into Figma) and two to the control group (using Figma without AI assistance). After the prototypes were completed, a brief semi-structured interview was conducted with participants from both groups to understand each user’s experience in developing interfaces. Six evaluators, who also work as designers, participated in the study by performing a heuristic evaluation of the created prototypes. The results indicate that using Figma AI reduced development time by approximately 25%, automating repetitive initial steps and increasing productivity. Conversely, prototypes generated with AI presented more usability problems, indicating only average perceived usability compared to the good performance achieved by manual prototypes. Although assistive AI accelerates prototyping and aids initial creativity, it does not yet replace the designer’s expertise and requires human refinement to ensure usability. This research is relevant to the field of interface design by highlighting the benefits and limitations of using AI in prototyping, emphasizing its potential for integration into the designer’s workflow and its impact on process efficiency and user experience