Figma is a dynamic design tool that lets every member of your team work on the same project interface at the same time. The emphasis is on User Interface Design and and User Experience Design while any company roles involved in websites, wireframes, logo’s, design or applications, can be involved in the design process. Teams can collaborate in real-time similarly as on Google docs as Figma is based in the browser and works with all operating systems.
Due to it’s universal ability, it brings designers, product owners and developers together, while working on the same project view. Whether designers are typically working on MacBook’s and web developers are using Microsoft, Figma creates a bind between the different software. All team members can open, edit and share their work interacting in real time and on all devices. Bug tracking tools and community software like Confluence or SharePoint are utilized in Figma’s commenting and to display embedded mockup files.
Teams can share files, projects, pages, and wireframes with anyone that has permission. It’s never been easier to visually communicate your ideas and get feedback.
Who is it for:
Companies who are looking for simplicity and speed are finding Figma prototyping the answer. Teams that use Figma are communicating via their chosen channel; Slack Any new updates are “slacked” to the team. Comments and edits are made on the live design and updated immediately on each team members instance of the project. This live, real-time functionality is crucial to any team.
Figma can be used to do all kinds of design flow projects from prototyping designs, designing mobile app interfaces, wireframes for websites, social media posts, and any other design work. Users find they design faster with real content, and everyone has visibility into design projects. This is also very powerful for design leads to ensure the brief is on the right track and fully understood.
As designers don’t enjoy having someone look over their shoulders, there are a lot more benefits they can take advantage of from using Figma. With other platforms like Adobe XD or Sketch, you need to publish the latest version of the design for the team to view. With Figma, you only need a simple link with permissions. Designers can leave comments for Developers and vice versa, the CSS is visible. There is also the responsive layout grids with three main types of grid structures. If an element has it’s constraints set, it will automatically adjust in size according to the grid.
Figma’s other highlight for designers is the component system which is where UI elements can be created and saved as templates for use in other areas or pages; for example a customised button.
Big names using Figma:
Microsoft, Uber, Github, Zoom, Deliveroo, AirBnB, Dribbble, Twitter, Dropbox, Slack, and Volvo are among a few of the massive names using Figma already.
As so many people are using it within their work, it is really worth learning and there are many awesome online tutorials out there from Mizko, Youtube courses to SkillShare.
When designers need to perform design reviews with their team members, they can present on a large screens which will automatically scale. Teams can also record comments, view code snippets and CSS, developers can inspect components and fix issues. No third party program is required, it can all be done in Figma. It really transforms how you work with your colleagues and clients.