Figma for Design Critiques
1 Introduction to Figma
1-1 Overview of Figma
1-2 Key Features of Figma
1-3 Setting Up Figma Account
1-4 Navigating the Figma Interface
2 Basic Figma Tools
2-1 Selection Tool
2-2 Frame Tool
2-3 Rectangle Tool
2-4 Ellipse Tool
2-5 Line Tool
2-6 Text Tool
2-7 Pen Tool
2-8 Pencil Tool
3 Layers and Objects
3-1 Understanding Layers Panel
3-2 Creating and Managing Layers
3-3 Grouping and Ungrouping Objects
3-4 Aligning and Distributing Objects
3-5 Masking and Clipping
4 Styles and Components
4-1 Creating and Applying Styles
4-2 Text Styles
4-3 Color Styles
4-4 Effect Styles
4-5 Creating and Using Components
4-6 Variants and Instances
5 Collaboration in Figma
5-1 Sharing Files and Projects
5-2 Real-Time Collaboration
5-3 Comments and Feedback
5-4 Version Control and History
5-5 Plugins and Integrations
6 Design Critiques in Figma
6-1 Importance of Design Critiques
6-2 Setting Up a Critique Session
6-3 Giving Constructive Feedback
6-4 Receiving and Implementing Feedback
6-5 Best Practices for Effective Critiques
7 Advanced Figma Techniques
7-1 Prototyping in Figma
7-2 Animations and Interactions
7-3 Responsive Design
7-4 Advanced Layering Techniques
7-5 Custom Plugins and Scripts
8 Case Studies and Practical Exercises
8-1 Analyzing Real-World Design Projects
8-2 Conducting a Design Critique on a Live Project
8-3 Implementing Feedback in a Figma Project
8-4 Creating a Portfolio in Figma
9 Final Project and Certification
9-1 Designing a Comprehensive Project in Figma
9-2 Conducting a Final Design Critique
9-3 Submitting the Final Project
9-4 Certification Process and Requirements
8 Case Studies and Practical Exercises in Figma

8 Case Studies and Practical Exercises in Figma

Key Concepts

Case Study 1: Responsive Web Design

In this case study, you will design a responsive website that adapts to different screen sizes. Start by creating frames for desktop, tablet, and mobile views. Use Figma's auto-layout and constraints features to ensure elements resize and reposition correctly. Test the design on various devices to ensure responsiveness.

Think of responsive design as creating a flexible grid that adjusts to fit different containers, like a rubber band that stretches and contracts.

Case Study 2: Mobile App Interface

Design a mobile app interface for a task management application. Create frames for key screens such as the home screen, task creation, and settings. Use components to maintain consistency across screens. Set up interactions to simulate user flows, such as tapping a button to add a new task.

Consider the mobile app interface as a series of interconnected screens, like a choose-your-own-adventure book where each choice leads to a new page.

Case Study 3: E-commerce Product Page

Design a product page for an e-commerce website. Include elements such as product images, descriptions, pricing, and a call-to-action button. Use Figma's grid and layout features to ensure alignment and spacing. Gather feedback from peers to refine the design.

Think of the e-commerce product page as a well-organized storefront, where each element is strategically placed to attract and guide the customer.

Case Study 4: Dashboard Design

Create a dashboard for a data analytics platform. Include charts, graphs, and key metrics. Use Figma's data visualization tools to populate the dashboard with dynamic data. Ensure the design is clean and easy to navigate, with clear visual hierarchy.

Visualize the dashboard as a control center, where each widget provides critical information at a glance, like a cockpit in an airplane.

Case Study 5: Landing Page Optimization

Optimize an existing landing page for better conversion rates. Analyze the current design and identify areas for improvement. Use Figma to redesign key sections, such as the hero section, call-to-action buttons, and testimonials. Test the new design with real users to measure effectiveness.

Think of landing page optimization as fine-tuning a sales pitch, where every word and visual element is crafted to persuade the audience.

Case Study 6: Form Design

Design a user-friendly form for a subscription service. Include fields for name, email, and payment information. Use Figma's form design features to ensure accessibility and ease of use. Gather feedback from users to identify any usability issues and iterate on the design.

Consider the form design as a conversation between the user and the system, where each question is clear and concise, like a well-written dialogue in a play.

Case Study 7: Interactive Prototype

Create an interactive prototype for a travel booking app. Design key screens such as the search results, hotel details, and booking confirmation. Set up interactions to simulate the user journey, such as selecting a hotel and proceeding to the checkout. Test the prototype with potential users to gather feedback.

Think of the interactive prototype as a virtual tour, where users can experience the app's functionality before it's fully developed, like a dress rehearsal for a play.

Case Study 8: Design System Implementation

Implement a design system for a large-scale web application. Create reusable components such as buttons, cards, and navigation menus. Organize these components into a cohesive system that can be easily updated and maintained. Use Figma's design system features to ensure consistency across the application.

Visualize the design system as a toolkit, where each component is a versatile tool that can be used in various contexts, like a set of LEGO blocks that can be assembled into different structures.