Tables and grid patterns are crucial for SaaS interfaces and are used very frequently. These elements are essential for displaying data in a structured and clear manner, which is particularly indispensable for complex applications.
Currently, it is very cumbersome to build a manageable table from individual components. This is particularly challenging for those who utilize our design system, as they often need to detach components to expand the table and adjust it to respective data. This issue arises because we can only provide a limited number of columns and predefined table components. Additionally, it is very counterproductive to push components with hidden rows and columns in the layers list, as many of our users do not understand that this component can be expanded in this way. One should be able to add another row with a click, as a stackable component is simply loaded in the background.
Proposal:
A tool in Figma that functions similarly to an artboard and allows the creation of an expandable table or grid with assigned components. This table should then be publishable as a regular table component, enabling other designers to work with it seamlessly without having to detach the components.
Benefits of this feature:
- Increased efficiency and consistency: Designers can work faster and more efficiently without spending time detaching and rearranging existing components, while the design system remains intact and consistent.
- Flexibility: Users can expand tables of any size and complexity without being limited to predefined options.
- Easier collaboration and reduced error rate: Teams can collaborate more easily, as all designers have access to a universally applicable table component. The need to detach and manually edit components is eliminated, thereby reducing the potential for errors.
- Better utilization of child components: The component can be better enriched with child components and changes pushed without our designers having to work with detached components.
I am convinced that this feature would support many designers and teams working with Figma, enhancing the efficiency and quality of their work.