This article is the entry for day 18 in the KINTO Technologies Advent Calendar 2024 🎅🎄

I’m Nakanishi from the Manabi-no-Michi-no-Eki (Learning Roadside Station) team. This year, the Learning Roadside Station Project was officially launched and later established as a team. As part of this initiative, we are also running an in-house podcast, and for this year’s Advent Calendar, we’re excited to share some of its episodes with you.

What is the "Learning Roadside Station"?

"Learning Roadside Station" is a project launched to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of the study sessions that are frequently held within the company. This initiative aims to promote knowledge sharing by supporting study sessions led by dedicated volunteers within the company.

Figma Study Session

The KTC Learning Roadside Station Podcast features interviews with people who organize study sessions within the company. This segment is called “A Peek into the Study Session Next Door”. Today's podcast guests are T.M. and M.K., who are leading the Figma Study Session. First of all, could you tell us about the work you both do? Let's start with T.M.-san.

Interview

T.M.-san: I am a member of the Retailer Digital Transformation (DX) Planning Team of the DX Planning Promotion Group in the Mobility Product Development Division. As a designer, I primarily work on developing products related to digital transformation (DX) for our company's retail stores. Lately I’ve been focusing on designing a mobile app, which we plan to release in the fall. Since our team was formed only about a year ago, we are now entering the phase of fully commercializing the project.

Akeda-san: Thank you. Now, let’s hear from M.K.-san.

M.K.-san: I work as a designer in the Marketing Planning Division. My main responsibilities include visual design and UI/UX design, and recently, I have been working on the website design for a new vehicle subscription service.

Akeda-san: Thank you. Now, regarding the Figma study session held last Friday, what was the reason for holding it?

T.M.-san: It all started when Nakanishi-san casually dropped by and said, “Why don’t you host a Figma study session?” However, even before that, I had felt that there was room for improvement in how we were using Figma at KTC, so it was perfect timing. So, together with M.K., we discussed the best format, and held our first session last Friday.

Akeda-san: Nakanishi-san, what made you reach out and suggest the study session?

Nakanishi: Since T.M. joined the company, I felt that he had a strong desire to improve the design. We had already talked about how it would be great to hold a Figma study session, so I felt that now was the right time and reached out.

Akeda-san: Thank you. What was the reaction of the participants when you actually held the study session?

T.M.-san: The response was quite positive. It seemed like many of the participants wanted to learn more about Figma. There were a lot of questions during the Q&A session, and it was clear that everyone was interested.

M.K.-san: I felt the same way. It was a great opportunity to see that many people are interested in Figma and improving UI/UX.

Akeda-san: What kind of questions were asked?

T.M.-san: The questions covered a wide range of topics, from technical aspects to discussions about UI/UX initiatives at KTC. There were especially many questions from engineers, which showed that they, too, have a strong interest in UX.

Akeda-san: Please tell us about future plans for the study group.

T.M.-san: In the short term, we aim to improve productivity and efficiency by providing the most relevant themes and content. In the long term, I want to use Figma as a way to increase the presence of designers and contribute to the success of businesses.

M.K.-san: I completely agree. We also want to create more opportunities for engineers and designers to develop a common language and communicate with each other.

Akeda-san: Thank you. Finally, do you have a message for everyone listening to this podcast?

M.K.-san: Design is not just about visuals. It's important for everyone to have an opinion. Let’s communicate freely and openly.

T.M.-san: To create a great product, everyone should think like a designer. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime!

Akeda-san: Thank you very much. That wraps up today's podcast. T.M.-san and M.K.-san, thank you for joining us. Your passion for the Figma study session and design really came through. I’m excited to see how KTC's design continues to evolve.

This time, we have provided details about the Figma study group, the background to its operation, and future prospects. Stay tuned for the next study session!