At CYFRON SOFTWARE TRADING, we pay close attention to evolving workflows in software design. One such shift we’ve seen gaining traction is the rise of “designing with code” — a workflow where designers bypass traditional visual design tools like Figma and instead build directly in tools like Cursor, often supported by AI and prebuilt UI kits like ShadCN. This approach can be incredibly productive for fast prototyping, particularly as AI lowers the barrier to writing functional HTML, CSS, and React code. But while the acceleration is real, the risks of skipping core design knowledge are just as tangible.
Designing through code is not new — it brings software development closer to its roots. And for product teams under pressure to iterate quickly, the idea of writing a component, testing it live, and shipping it within the same tool is understandably attractive. However, as with any tool-driven trend, success depends less on the tool itself and more on the hands wielding it.
We’ve seen that relying solely on UI kits and AI can often result in interfaces that "look right" structurally, but miss the qualities that make a product accessible, clear, and beautiful. Templates give you a head start, not a final design. Without attention to visual hierarchy, spacing, contrast, or scale, even the most technically sound UI can feel off.
This is especially true as more non-technical or early-career designers dive into these tools. Without a grounding in design principles — typography that guides the eye, white space that breathes, pixel-precise alignment — their work can easily become a case of assembling parts that don’t quite fit.
At CYFRON, we encourage teams to experiment with coding via visual design tools. It’s a valid and powerful method when the right foundations are in place. That’s why, in our own design process, we often start with high-fidelity screens in Figma. Not for nostalgia, but to clarify a product’s tone, create visual consistency, and capture subtle cues that communicate trust and usability. Once aesthetics are locked in, moving to code becomes a faster, more effective step — not a shortcut.
The age of AI-assisted design is exciting, and we embrace workflows that foster agility. But the underlying qualities that make a digital product intuitive and pleasant haven’t changed. Learning to see — really see — your interface in terms of contrast, alignment, rhythm, and weight is still a required skill, not an optional polish.
Fast tools are not enough. Good design requires habits. And those habits begin with an understanding of what makes an experience truly usable. As software creators, we owe it to our users to build interfaces that are not only functional, but thoughtfully and expertly shaped.