7-1 Prototyping in Figma

Key Concepts

• Creating Frames
• Adding Components
• Setting Up Interactions
• Previewing Prototypes
• Testing Prototypes
• Exporting Prototypes
• Iterating Based on Feedback

Creating Frames

Creating frames in Figma is the first step in prototyping. Frames represent individual screens or pages of your prototype. To create a frame, select the "Frame" tool from the toolbar, choose the desired size (e.g., mobile, desktop), and draw the frame on the canvas. This sets the stage for your design elements.

For example, if you are designing a mobile app, you would create a frame that matches the dimensions of a typical smartphone screen.

Adding Components

Components in Figma are reusable elements like buttons, icons, and text fields. Adding components to your frames allows for consistency and efficiency in your prototype. To add a component, drag and drop it from the Assets panel onto your frame. You can also create new components from existing elements.

Think of components as building blocks that you can assemble to create different screens. For instance, a button component can be used across multiple frames with slight variations.

Setting Up Interactions

Setting up interactions in Figma allows you to define how users will navigate through your prototype. Interactions can include clicking buttons, scrolling, and hovering over elements. To set up an interaction, select an element, go to the "Prototype" tab, and define the action (e.g., "On Click") and the destination frame.

For example, you can set up a button to navigate from the home screen to a product details screen when clicked.

Previewing Prototypes

Previewing prototypes in Figma allows you to see how your design will function in a real-world scenario. To preview your prototype, click the "Present" button in the top right corner. This opens a full-screen view where you can interact with your prototype as if it were a live application.

Think of previewing as a dress rehearsal before the final performance. It helps you catch any issues and refine the user experience.

Testing Prototypes

Testing prototypes involves gathering feedback from users or stakeholders to ensure the design meets their needs. You can share your prototype via a link and collect feedback through comments and annotations. Testing helps identify usability issues and areas for improvement.

For example, you can share the prototype with a group of potential users and ask them to complete specific tasks, noting any difficulties they encounter.

Exporting Prototypes

Exporting prototypes in Figma allows you to share your work with others in various formats. You can export individual frames or the entire prototype as images, PDFs, or interactive HTML files. To export, select the frames or elements you want to export, go to the "Export" tab, and choose the desired format.

Think of exporting as packaging your prototype for delivery. It ensures that your work can be easily shared and reviewed by others.

Iterating Based on Feedback

Iterating based on feedback involves making changes to your prototype based on the insights gathered during testing. This iterative process ensures that your design evolves and improves over time. To iterate, review the feedback, make the necessary changes in Figma, and then test the updated prototype.

For example, if users find a particular interaction confusing, you can modify it and test the revised version to see if it addresses the issue.