Figma is a design app that enables professionals to create attractive visual design prototypes. Using artboards (or “frames” in Figma), users can design layouts for various mobile, tablet, and desktop platforms.
These prototypes can then be used to seek feedback from other members of a team or organizational leaders, ensuring that a design team is on the right track when it comes to creating a functional and attractive product.
This tool is available in three different formats and price points. Individuals who want to try out Figma to see whether it’s the right platform for their needs may consider the Starter version, which is free and enables one to two people to work on up to three projects for 30 days.
Those who plan to use Figma regularly may instead consider the professional or organizational versions of the software. The professional format allows for unlimited projects and storage and costs $15 per editor per month. The organizational format includes everything in the professional format, plus increased security, single sign-on, and organization-wide libraries. The professional version costs $45 per user per month.
Features of Figma
Figma is a vector-based design application. As a result, users can create complicated shapes and designs that are scalable across screen sizes, from mobile devices to desktop computers. Similarly, Figma users can export high-resolution graphics for use in a variety of media formats.
Another critical feature of Figma is the fact that it’s cloud-based. This means users can access the application from anywhere. Because Figma is accessible through any browser, it’s also easy for team members to collaborate, even if half of your team uses Macs and the other half uses PCs. Each user’s work is automatically saved, so you never have to worry about losing your work in the middle of a project. Team members can also leave comments directly on the artboard, making communication easier for everyone involved.
Additionally, Figma allows multiple users to collaborate in real-time, so you can see precisely what changes your team members are making as they are making them. In other words, there’s no need to have endless meetings to describe alternations you’ve made to a design and no need to email back and forth. Users can simply share a live link to the design, so you never have to worry about sending a design that’s outdated by the time a recipient views it.
Individuals can choose from various plugins and templates to facilitate the design process. This includes plug-ins for stock photos, charts, and icons, among other things.
Figma also offers a tool known as FigJam, which functions as an online “whiteboard” that individuals on a team can use to brainstorm design ideas — no matter where they’re working from. Professionals can leave sticky notes with ideas and physically draw or sketch on the whiteboard. In this way, FigJam can be useful for both daily standups and impromptu meetings alike.
Who Uses Figma?
Figma can be useful for anyone who needs to create a web-based design. In particular, web designers, User Interface (UI) designers, and app designers can use Figma to create prototypes to share with team members and clients.
UI Designers use Figma to design prototypes for websites and apps. While doing so, UI Designers consider certain parameters established by User Experience (UX) Designers, who create the blueprint for a product. UI Designers can also integrate important components of a company’s design, such as logos while using Figma.
Similarly, a web designer might design a website layout using Figma, then share their design with a developer. The developer can then build the actual code to ensure the website looks as intended. The same goes for an app designer who is trying to create the layout for a mobile or web-based application.
Freelance designers may also use Figma, whether they’re designing a website for a local business owner or an app for a start-up. Because Figma is cloud-based, it’s easy for freelancers to share live prototypes with their clients, no matter where they may be located.
Learn Figma
Like many other design programs, one of the best ways to learn Figma is by taking an interactive class. You may consider enrolling in a course offered through an NYIM affiliate school, Noble Desktop, which teaches Figma through hands-on training. Noble Desktop keeps class sizes small, enabling students to receive individualized support from instructors and collaborate with others in the class.
Noble’s Figma Bootcamp teaches students how to create UI and UX designs for both websites and apps. Students will learn how to optimize these layouts for a variety of screens, including mobile, tablet, and desktop, and create complex prototypes. Additionally, the courses teach how to share Figma files, work in a team or shared library, and make animations. This course meets over 12 hours and costs $695 to enroll.
Individuals who are interested in UX and UI more broadly may also consider enrolling in the UX and UI Bootcamp, which includes the Figma Bootcamp. This bootcamp is an excellent option for those who plan to pursue a career in user experience or user interface design.