Product design extends far beyond the confines of design tools like Figma. In a recent discussion, Arkadiusz Radek highlights the misconception that mastering Figma equates to becoming a proficient designer. This notion was underscored during a conversation with Miranda Slayter, a Principal Designer at Booking, who recounted an interaction with a mentee struggling to articulate their design choices. The mentee's response, "I don’t know. It just looked nice," exemplifies a troubling trend among less experienced designers who focus solely on the visual aspects of design without understanding the underlying principles. Radek emphasizes that while Figma is a valuable tool for creating design artifacts and communicating ideas, it is not the essence of product design. The real work occurs outside of Figma, involving collaboration, strategy, and understanding user needs. He shares insights from his own experience, noting that only a fraction of his time—approximately 28%—is spent on creating prototypes and mockups. The majority of his work involves discussions with product managers and engineers, planning research, analyzing customer feedback, and mentoring team members. The article advocates for a shift in focus from tools to the broader aspects of design, such as collaboration and design advocacy. Radek encourages designers to resist the temptation to jump straight into Figma when faced with a design request. Instead, he suggests taking the time to understand the problem at hand by asking critical questions about the feature's purpose, its value to users, and how it fits within the existing system. This approach aligns with the Double Diamond framework, which stresses the importance of problem definition before jumping to solutions. Radek reflects on his own early career mistakes, acknowledging that many newcomers to the field may not grasp the full scope of product design. He reiterates that the goal of product design is not merely to create visually appealing elements but to deliver value to users and contribute to business success. Understanding this broader perspective allows designers to grow and make a meaningful impact on their products. In conclusion, while tools like Figma play a role in the design process, they are just one part of a much larger picture. Emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and the strategic aspects of design can lead to more effective and rewarding outcomes in the field of product design.