Figma – Detailed Explanation

  • Figma – Detailed Explanation : An online platform for UI/UX design.

    Figma is a popular, cloud-based design tool that focuses on interface design, prototyping, and collaboration. It allows designers to create, test, and iterate on digital products like websites and apps in a collaborative, real-time environment.

    1- On which platform are the tools used?

    Platform Compatibility:

    • Web-based Tool:
      Figma is primarily web-based, which means it works on any platform that supports modern web browsers (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge).
    • Desktop App:
      In addition to the web version, Figma also offers a desktop application for:
      • Windows: Available for Windows 7 and above.
      • macOS: Available for macOS 10.12 and above.
    • Mobile App:
      Figma provides a mobile app preview (Figma Mirror) for iOS and Android, allowing you to view prototypes on real devices.

    2- What hardware requirements are needed?

    For Web Version:

    • Browser: Any modern web browser like Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge.
    • Internet Connection: Since Figma is cloud-based, you need a stable internet connection to use it.

    For Desktop Application:

    Windows:

    • Operating System: Windows 7 or later (64-bit).
    • Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent.
    • RAM: Minimum 4GB of RAM (8GB or more recommended).
    • Storage: 200MB of free space for installation.
    • Graphics: Integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000 or better).

    macOS:

    • Operating System: macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later.
    • Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent.
    • RAM: Minimum 4GB of RAM (8GB or more recommended).
    • Storage: 200MB of free space for installation.
    • Graphics: Integrated graphics (any modern GPU).

    3- Installation and membership stages

    Installation Process:

    1. Create a Figma Account:
      Visit the Figma website and create a new account by signing up with an email or using a Google account.
    2. Download the Desktop App (Optional):
      • If you want to use the desktop version, download it from the Figma website or via Figma’s App Store page.
      • Follow the installation instructions.
    3. Start Using Figma:
      You can use the web version without installing anything, directly in your browser, by logging in to your account.

    Membership Stages:

    • Free Plan (Starter Plan):
      • Up to 3 projects.
      • Unlimited files in drafts.
      • Real-time collaboration with teammates.
      • Design and prototyping tools.
    • Paid Plans (Professional and Organization Plans):
      • Professional: Adds features like unlimited version history, shared libraries, and more collaboration tools.
      • Organization: Includes advanced permissions, enterprise-level features, and analytics.

    4- What can it be used for?

    Figma is a versatile tool with various use cases in the design process:

    • UI/UX Design: Creating user interfaces for web and mobile applications.
    • Prototyping: Designing interactive, clickable prototypes to simulate user flows.
    • Wireframing: Creating wireframes to map out the structure of apps and websites before detailed design.
    • Collaboration: Real-time collaboration with team members for feedback and design iteration.
    • Design Systems: Developing and maintaining design systems with shared styles, components, and assets.
    • Vector Graphics: Creating scalable vector designs for icons, buttons, and other interface elements.

    5- What is its prominent feature compared to other tools?

    Prominent Features of Figma:

    • Cloud-based and Real-Time Collaboration:
      Unlike many design tools, Figma is fully cloud-based, allowing real-time collaboration. Multiple team members can design, comment, and make edits simultaneously, similar to how Google Docs functions.
    • Cross-Platform:
      Since it’s web-based, Figma is available across Mac, Windows, and any device with a modern browser.
    • Version Control:
      Figma automatically tracks version history and allows you to revert to previous versions of your designs.
    • Interactive Prototyping:
      Figma offers an easy-to-use prototyping tool, enabling designers to create interactive, clickable prototypes without needing any code.
    • Design Systems:
      It allows users to maintain shared design systems across teams, which makes scaling up design projects easy and consistent.

    6- Sample application made with pictures

    Example: Mobile App Design – Social Media App Prototype

    Design Process:

    1. Create Artboards: Set up artboards for each screen of the app, such as the login screen, user profile, and feed.
    2. Design UI Components: Use Figma’s vector tools to design buttons, text fields, icons, and images.
    3. Prototype: Link the elements to other screens to simulate navigation (e.g., clicking “Login” leads to the user feed).
    4. Animation: Add interactive transitions like smooth scrolling, hover effects, or fade-ins between screens.

    Design Example:

    Here is a screenshot of the mobile app interface built in Figma:

    You can preview the app in interactive mode using the Figma Mirror App on mobile devices.

    7- Which courses can it be used in and is compatible with?

    Courses and Fields:

    • UX/UI Design:
      • User Interface (UI) Design: Learn how to design screens, buttons, navigation bars, etc., for web and mobile apps.
      • User Experience (UX) Design: Learn the principles of designing intuitive and user-friendly products.
    • Web Design and Development:
      Create responsive layouts and designs for websites using Figma’s vector-based design tools.
    • Mobile App Design:
      Figma is widely used in courses that focus on designing apps for iOS and Android platforms.
    • Prototyping and Wireframing:
      Learn how to create clickable prototypes and wireframes for rapid design iterations.
    • Design Systems and Collaboration:
      Figma is used in design system courses and team collaboration tools where consistent and scalable design is essential.

    8- Is it free?

    Pricing:

    • Free Plan:
      • Available for individuals and small teams with limited features (3 projects, unlimited files in drafts).
    • Paid Plans:
      • Professional Plan: Adds more advanced features like shared libraries, unlimited version history, and more for teams.
      • Organization Plan: Provides enterprise-level collaboration features, advanced permissions, and enhanced admin controls.
    • Figma’s Free Version is often enough for students, freelancers, and small teams.

    9- Links related to Figma

    Figma is an exceptional tool for UI/UX designers, particularly those working in teams, due to its collaborative features and cloud-based workflow. Whether you’re designing apps, websites, or prototypes, Figma provides all the necessary tools to help you iterate quickly and work effectively with others.