Are Figma prototypes presentations with superpowers?
Whenever I see innovatively appealing Figma prototypes, I can only think: “Cool! But why?”
Let’s briefly understand Figma prototypes. Figma is a cloud-based design tool that allows users to create interactive prototypes that affect the functionality of a final product. These prototypes go beyond static mockups, providing an engaged experience that mirrors user interaction.
Figma excels at creating prototypes. It’s a flexible design tool that lets you alter your design as much as you like. Its prototype function enables you to make original transitions that are impossible to achieve with any other tool.
It’s surprisingly easy to create a visually attractive prototype with Figma. This blog will walk you through the benefits and drawbacks of using Figma.
When should you opt to create hi-fi Figma prototypes?
There are three scenarios in which you should reach to create a high-fidelity Figma prototype:
- To get buy-in by creating a complex concept tangible
- To explain a specific complicated interaction visually
- To gather feedback from customers
In all the scenarios mentioned, the design is complex enough to demand the highest level of fidelity to create the desired team alignment and brand confidence.
In the first case, it often creates confidence among C-level executives. In the second case, it’s creating confidence with potential partners. And in the third case, it’s all about gathering feedback that your idea might work for the customers.
How to create a prototype in Figma?
Creating a prototype in Figma is a straightforward technique:
| Step 1 | Design your screens | Begin by designing particular screens or frames representing different pages of your user interface. |
| Step 2 | Connect screens | Use Figma’s advanced features to connect screens by adding all the elements. Select an element, click the prototype tab, and link it to the target screen. |
| Step 3 | Define interactions | Specify the interaction type (e.g., transition, overlay) and set animation or video to control how elements add up between screens. |
| Step 4 | Preview your prototype | Click the “Present” button to enter presentation mode. Test your prototype by interacting with linked elements to imitate user flow and navigation. |
| Step 5 | Share and gather feedback | Share your Figma file or generate a shareable link so others can view and interact with the prototype. |
Benefits of Creating Prototypes
We’ll explore why Figma prototypes are considered powerful tools with superpowers. They offer benefits, particularly regarding collaboration, interactivity, and presentation capabilities.
- Interactivity: Figma prototypes allow designers to create an interactive experience that gives stakeholders an involved view of the design. This interactivity enhances communication and understanding, as users can click through the prototype to explore further elements and functionalities.
- Collaboration: Figma’s benefiting feature is its collaboration feature. The members of the team can work on a project together, ensuring it is easy to gather feedback, make edits, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This builds efficient teamwork, mainly for distributed or remote teams.
- Iterative Design: Figma supports rapid iteration, allowing designers to create and test multiple prototype versions efficiently. This approach is noteworthy for updating and improving designs, resulting that the final product meets user needs and expectations.
- User Feedback and Testing: Figma prototypes encourage user testing by providing a platform for stakeholders and users to interact with the prototype. This firsthand experience allows for more expressive feedback, helping designers make informed decisions and adjustments based on the user feedback gathered.
- Design System Integration: Figma integrates smoothly with design systems, ensuring project consistency. Designers can use established patterns and components, promoting an aligned and professional look. This integration simplifies the design process and maintains an aligned brand visual identity.
- Enhanced Presentation Capabilities: Figma prototypes offer progressive presentation features, allowing designers to create engaging and instructive presentations. Presenters can guide their audience through the presentation, showcasing the functionality and process of the design in a more detailed manner than traditional presentations.
Drawbacks
Users and organizations should be aware of Figma’s drawbacks, such as the learning curve, internet dependence, and file size limits, to make educated and guilt-free decisions about including Figma in their design workflows.
- Learning Angle: Figma may have a learning angle for new users. While the interface is user-friendly, understanding all the features and functionalities takes some time. Training and educating yourself with the tool are necessary to get the most out of Figma.
- Internet Support: Figma is a cloud-based tool, and a stable internet connection is required for the collaboration. Users may need help accessing and working on their projects in conditions with limited or no internet access.
- Limited Offline: While Figma does offer an offline mode, it has restrictions compared to its online mode. Users can view and edit files offline to some capacity, but valuable features are only available once an internet connection is restored.
- File Size Limitations: Figma has limitations, and working on massive projects might become difficult. This limitation can be a consideration for projects with extensive graphics, high-resolution images, or challenging designs.
- Security Concerns: Organizations are concerned about storing sensitive design files in the cloud due to threats, data privacy rules, and the need to maintain strict control over information. While Figma provides data security, users should know their organization’s policies and compliance requirements.
- Dependency on Figma: Figma projects are created and stored within the Figma ecosystem. While this promotes collaboration, it also means that users depend on Figma’s platform.
Figma Prototyping Services with Tekglide
Our dedicated team of designers leverages Figma’s capabilities to create prototypes beyond visual representations, offering a hands-on process. Collaborate with our designers to launch an innovative design journey. Tekglide specializes in crafting with our Figma Prototyping Services that resonate with your audience. We go beyond the basics, adding interactive elements, transitions, and animations to simulate real user experiences. By creating prototypes that users can click through and engage with, Tekglide ensures a deeper understanding of the design flow and functionality.
Conclusion
Figma prototypes stand out as presentations with superpowers. Their interactivity, collaborative features, and integration with design systems elevate the design process. By harnessing the power of Figma prototypes, designers can create engaging presentations, gather helpful feedback, and repeat rapidly, delivering designs that meet and exceed expectations. Figma has become a superhero in the design toolkit, transforming how designers bring their ideas to life and collaborate with others.
