Stark language tools

Stark has updated their Figma plugin to include some new language tools to reduce undescriptive phrasing, writing for the right reading level and removing sensory text information. These tools all help make your copy better suitable for users who use a screenreader, have a cognitive disability or use a different input method than a mouse or touch controls (for example a switch input device or voice control). But in the end it will improve the user experience for everyone. Additionally there is now also auto-fill for accessibility notes which will automatically fill out some sections for the right platform when adding a new note. You can now find all new features via Sidekick or Accessibility Notes in the Stark Figma plugin.

Read more about the Language tools update

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The Stark Sidekick UI showing a list of accessibility violations in a design file with the focus on a language issue that explains to the user the text is not descriptive enough.

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Framer's Fall Event

Framer held it's Fall Event this week where they looked back at some of the features released over the past few months, but also released two big new features. Starting off with Plugins. They already talked about Plugins during the last event, but they are now available for everyone to use. Some examples are a Notion plugin which can automatically sync to your Framer CMS, a Rive plugin to showcase your animations, Phosphor icons to use a wide range of icons and Doodle to insert your drawings directly into your website.

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CMS Collection References

A long awaited CMS feature is now also available, CMS collection references. This allows you to link one or multiple CMS items to each other. For example adding an author to a blog post or adding multiple category tags. In the past you had to manually input it as text or use multiple CMS fields for a name, avatar, job function... But now you can link a reusable CMS entry and showcase it on your website. A big improvement that lets you build more interesting websites.

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Figma Release Notes

Figma held it's new update livestream called "Release Notes" this week where they shared some new features being added in Figma. Here's a short rundown:

  • New device frames for the latest iPhones, Apple Watches and Android phones
  • Rotate and duplicate for continuous rotated copies, great for designing clocks.
  • Standardized thumbnail sizes, all of Figma's file types now use a 16:9 ratio
  • FigJam updates: a new shape picker and organize stickies by color, author, stamp count or stamp type
  • Easier Slides template publishing to use in across your company or via the Community
  • View Figma Slides via the mobile app
  • Embed Youtube videos in Slides
  • Easier styles management in Slides
  • Updates to UI3 based on user feedback which will be available for everyone on October 10

Read all of Figma's release notes

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Poster for Figma's Release Notes livestream episode 001 which aired october 1st