Hello,
I’d like to share some critical feedback on the new UI3 asset panel, as it has significantly disrupted my workflow and, I believe, undermines some of the core organisational benefits Figma has always offered.
1. Loss of nested sections
- In UI2, the Assets panel allowed nested subsections based on 'Frames' within a page on the design system (e.g. “Inputs” → “Main Component” and “Component Blocks”), so you could keep building-block elements separate from your primary component.
- UI3 now flattens everything into a single folder, regardless of how many 'Frames' containing sub-components you have. For files with dozens of related components, this makes it very difficult to locate the exact asset you need without constant searching. This old method used to allow me to organise my components in an easy way. Allowing me to just select my design system > Select Inputs > Select Main component. While now I have to select my design system > Select Inputs > Search and find my main component. Again super annoying when you have lots of components for said main component.
Example issue:
2. Missing page-context indicator
- Previously, when viewing Local components (Created in this file), Figma clearly displayed the active page name (for example, “Home page”) top right in the left hand navigation when you are looking through your assets, making it easy to see at a glance which page you are working on, thus finding where the local components belong.
- In UI3, this indicator has disappeared. You must repeatedly switch back to the File view to confirm which page you’re on, then return to the Assets panel an unnecessary interruption. It's SO annoying especially if you have multiple pages and local components.
Example:
These changes feel like a step backwards in terms of clarity and efficiency. The inability to structure your asset tree and the loss of clear page context add friction to an otherwise smooth design process.
Please consider restoring:
- Hierarchical subsections within the Assets panel based on 'Frames' (so that main components and their component blocks can remain distinct). OR just introduce folders in design systems…
- A visible, persistent page-name indicator when browsing the assets tab / local components.
UI3 is truly disrupting my professional workflow.