The International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates a global deficit of 4 million developers by 2025, while the US Labor Department forecasts a potential shortage of 85.2 million software engineers by 2030, which could result in approximately $8.5 trillion in unrealised annual revenues. A significant 66% to 90% of US employers report difficulties in finding the necessary skills, with tech roles ranking among the top 10 most challenging positions to fill.

Compounding this issue, around 80% of software developers experience burnout, largely due to high workloads. This situation underscores the critical need for AI tools to alleviate developers' burdens. The developer shortage has also led to a sharp 20-30% increase in developer salaries, consequently inflating development costs and exerting immense pressure on companies. Recent research indicates that 89% of US business decision-makers are concerned about timely software delivery.

In response to this significant and rapidly intensifying challenge, AI-first automated code assistants like Locofy.ai are emerging as a viable solution, aiming to reduce development costs and time to market. A 2023 Stack Overflow Developer survey found that 70% of respondents are currently using or planning to use AI tools in their development process this year.

Locofy.ai, based in Singapore, recently introduced their Large Design Models (LDMs) and a novel product, Locofy Lightning. This technology utilises LDMs to offer a groundbreaking 1-click solution that converts Figma designs into web frontend code. By employing Locofy’s in-house developed LDMs, Locofy Lightning is set to save developers up to 80% of the time required to code user interfaces from the ground up.

Cameron Pak, Founder of USA-based Melos, remarked on Locofy.ai's impact: “I’d say, Locofy is the ChatGPT equivalent for front-end interfaces in terms of ease of use and helpfulness. I think Locofy is positioned to be a game-changer for not only the low-code, no-code movement but also for those who are full-time developers, saving them time and money”. Mark Zielinski, Chief Technology Officer at Canada-based Where is My Package, also noted: "Locofy has saved us countless hours in our design-to-code workflow and helped us work more effectively".

The traditional process of converting web designs into production-grade code, often taking hundreds of hours, is significantly streamlined by Locofy.ai. Following Adobe's attempted acquisition of Figma for $20 billion in 2022, which was later abandoned, Figma has gained immense popularity, especially among developers, who now make up 30% of its active user base. Locofy.ai, as a Figma plugin, aims to transform Figma designs into code with a single click, automating nearly 80% of the time-consuming aspects of front-end development. This allows developers to concentrate on more complex tasks, bringing their ideas to market faster and more affordably.

Locofy Lightning’s 1-click feature seamlessly converts Figma designs into ready-to-use code, revolutionising development team workflows. At its core, Locofy Lightning leverages a technology stack built in-house, particularly the use of Large Design Models (LDMs). These LDMs, trained on millions of designs, efficiently dissect visual elements and enhance both layout and code structure.

Honey Mittal, Co-Founder & CEO of Locofy.ai, stated: “Our investment of over $1 million in the development of Locofy Lightning underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of frontend development. This innovation has emerged out of a clear market need. AI is helping to lower the entry barrier to software development, and businesses around the world are looking for AI-driven, automated coding assistants that maintain stringent quality standards. Locofy Lightning is particularly advantageous for fast-moving startups and customer-focused enterprises, as it speeds up frontend development and empowers lean teams to deliver world-class outcomes.”

Honey Mittal concluded: “Like many first saw the potential of Large Language Models with the advent of chatbots like ChatGPT, at Locofy we provide the complete solution for design-to-code by building both the foundational Large Design Models and product to make them accessible, Locofy Lightning, and we’re proud to do it from Singapore.”

Since its debut in 2021, Locofy.ai has made a significant impact on the tech scene, garnering attention with a sweep of all 7 awards on Product Hunt and securing $7.5 million in investments. After nearly two years of a free beta program and multiple rounds of user feedback, Locofy.ai is set to launch Locofy Lightning, integrating seamlessly into existing workflows. The beta release for Figma to web frontend is available as of 16 January 2024, with a mobile app solution on the horizon.