About Me
Figma for Mobile App Design
1 Introduction to Figma
1-1 Overview of Figma
1-2 Figma Interface Basics
1-3 Setting Up a Figma Account
2 Understanding Mobile App Design
2-1 Introduction to Mobile App Design
2-2 Key Principles of Mobile Design
2-3 Understanding User Experience (UX)
2-4 Understanding User Interface (UI)
3 Setting Up Your Figma Workspace
3-1 Creating a New Project
3-2 Organizing Layers and Frames
3-3 Using Templates and Plugins
3-4 Customizing Workspace Settings
4 Designing Mobile App Layouts
4-1 Creating Wireframes
4-2 Designing Navigation Patterns
4-3 Working with Grids and Layouts
4-4 Prototyping Navigation Flows
5 Typography and Text Styling
5-1 Choosing the Right Fonts
5-2 Setting Up Text Styles
5-3 Aligning and Justifying Text
5-4 Using Variable Fonts
6 Color Theory and Application
6-1 Understanding Color Theory
6-2 Creating Color Palettes
6-3 Applying Colors to Elements
6-4 Using Color Variables
7 Icons and Graphics
7-1 Importing and Using Icons
7-2 Designing Custom Icons
7-3 Working with Vector Networks
7-4 Using Plugins for Icon Design
8 Designing Interactive Elements
8-1 Buttons and Clickable Elements
8-2 Forms and Input Fields
8-3 Sliders and Switches
8-4 Dropdowns and Menus
9 Prototyping and Animations
9-1 Creating Interactive Prototypes
9-2 Adding Animations and Transitions
9-3 Testing Prototypes on Mobile Devices
9-4 Sharing and Collaborating on Prototypes
10 Responsive Design for Mobile Apps
10-1 Understanding Responsive Design
10-2 Designing for Different Screen Sizes
10-3 Using Auto Layout
10-4 Testing Responsiveness
11 Collaboration and Version Control
11-1 Collaborating with Team Members
11-2 Using Comments and Feedback
11-3 Managing Versions and Revisions
11-4 Integrating with Version Control Systems
12 Exporting and Sharing Designs
12-1 Exporting Assets for Development
12-2 Creating Design Systems
12-3 Sharing Designs with Stakeholders
12-4 Preparing for Handoff to Developers
13 Advanced Figma Techniques
13-1 Using Advanced Selection Tools
13-2 Mastering Boolean Operations
13-3 Creating Custom Plugins
13-4 Automating Design Tasks
14 Case Studies and Best Practices
14-1 Analyzing Real-World Mobile App Designs
14-2 Applying Best Practices in Figma
14-3 Learning from Design Critiques
14-4 Building a Portfolio of Mobile App Designs
15 Final Project and Certification
15-1 Planning and Designing a Mobile App
15-2 Implementing the Design in Figma
15-3 Prototyping and Testing the App
15-4 Submitting the Final Project for Certification
Using Variable Fonts in Figma

Using Variable Fonts in Figma

Key Concepts

1. Variable Fonts

Variable fonts are an evolution of traditional fonts that allow for a range of stylistic changes within a single font file. Unlike static fonts, which have a fixed set of styles (e.g., regular, bold, italic), variable fonts can be adjusted along multiple axes to create a wide variety of styles. This flexibility makes them ideal for creating dynamic and responsive designs.

2. Axis of Variation

The axis of variation refers to the different dimensions along which a variable font can be adjusted. Common axes include weight (how thick or thin the letters are), width (how condensed or expanded the letters are), and slant (how tilted the letters are). Some variable fonts may also include custom axes, allowing for even more specific adjustments like optical size or contrast.

3. Customization

Customization is the process of adjusting a variable font to fit your design needs. In Figma, you can easily customize variable fonts by dragging sliders or entering specific values for each axis of variation. This allows you to fine-tune the typography to match the aesthetic and functional requirements of your mobile app design.

4. Performance Benefits

Variable fonts offer performance benefits by reducing the number of font files needed. Instead of loading multiple static fonts for different styles, you can use a single variable font that covers a range of styles. This can lead to faster load times and a smaller file size, which is particularly important for mobile app design where performance is critical.

5. Integration in Figma

Figma supports variable fonts, allowing you to take full advantage of their flexibility and performance benefits. When using a variable font in Figma, you can access the axis of variation controls directly in the text properties panel. This makes it easy to experiment with different styles and find the perfect look for your mobile app design.

Examples and Analogies

Variable Fonts: Think of variable fonts as a chameleon that can change its appearance to blend in with different environments. Just as a chameleon can adjust its color and pattern, a variable font can adjust its weight, width, and other attributes to suit different design contexts.

Axis of Variation: Imagine the axis of variation as the dials on a sound mixer. Each dial controls a different aspect of the sound (e.g., bass, treble, volume). Similarly, each axis of variation in a variable font controls a different aspect of the font's appearance (e.g., weight, width, slant).

Customization: Customizing a variable font is like tuning a musical instrument. By adjusting the settings (axes), you can create the perfect sound (typography) for your performance (design).

Performance Benefits: The performance benefits of variable fonts are akin to packing light for a trip. By bringing only what you need (a single variable font), you reduce the weight (file size) and make the journey (loading time) faster and more efficient.

Integration in Figma: Using variable fonts in Figma is like having a versatile tool in your toolbox. Just as a multi-tool can replace several individual tools, a variable font in Figma can replace multiple static fonts, making your design process more streamlined and efficient.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.