Common Design Patterns in Figma

Key Concepts

Design patterns are reusable solutions to common design problems. Understanding these patterns can help you create more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. This section covers six common design patterns and how to implement them in Figma.

1. Navigation Menus

Navigation menus are essential for helping users move between different sections of a website or application. Common types include horizontal menus, vertical menus, and hamburger menus. In Figma, you can create navigation menus using frames and components.

For example, a horizontal menu can be created by placing buttons or links side by side within a frame. Use auto-layout to ensure the menu adjusts responsively to different screen sizes.

2. Cards

Cards are a versatile design pattern used to group related content into a single container. They are often used in dashboards, product listings, and blog posts. In Figma, you can create cards using frames and components.

For instance, a product card can include an image, title, description, and a button. Use auto-layout to ensure the card's content adjusts neatly within the container.

3. Modals

Modals are dialog boxes that appear on top of the main content to provide additional information or prompt the user for an action. They are commonly used for forms, alerts, and confirmations. In Figma, you can create modals using frames and components.

For example, a login modal can include input fields for username and password, along with buttons for login and cancel. Use constraints to ensure the modal remains centered on the screen.

4. Carousels

Carousels are a design pattern used to display multiple items in a rotating format. They are often used for image galleries, product showcases, and news feeds. In Figma, you can create carousels using frames and components.

For instance, a product carousel can display multiple products with navigation arrows to scroll through the items. Use auto-layout and constraints to ensure the carousel adjusts responsively.

5. Forms

Forms are a design pattern used to collect user input. They are commonly used for login, registration, and contact forms. In Figma, you can create forms using frames and components.

For example, a registration form can include input fields for name, email, and password, along with a submit button. Use auto-layout to ensure the form fields are neatly aligned.

6. Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a design pattern used to show the user's current location within a website or application. They help users understand their navigation path and easily move back to previous sections. In Figma, you can create breadcrumbs using frames and components.

For instance, a breadcrumb trail can show the user's path from the homepage to the current page, with clickable links to each section. Use auto-layout to ensure the breadcrumbs adjust responsively.

Examples and Analogies

Navigation Menus

Imagine a navigation menu as a map that helps users find their way through a city. Just as a map provides clear directions, a navigation menu guides users through a website or application.

Cards

Think of cards as individual playing cards that each contain a different piece of information. Just as a deck of cards can be shuffled and sorted, cards in a design can be arranged and grouped to present content effectively.

Modals

Consider a modal as a pop-up window that provides additional information or prompts an action. Just as a pop-up window appears on your screen, a modal overlays the main content to draw attention to important information.

Carousels

Imagine a carousel as a rotating display of items, like a Ferris wheel at a fair. Just as a Ferris wheel rotates to show different views, a carousel rotates to display different content.

Forms

Think of a form as a questionnaire that collects information from users. Just as a questionnaire asks specific questions, a form collects specific data from users.

Breadcrumbs

Consider breadcrumbs as a trail of breadcrumbs left by Hansel and Gretel to find their way home. Just as the breadcrumbs show the path taken, breadcrumbs in a design show the user's navigation path.

By mastering these common design patterns in Figma, you can create interfaces that are intuitive, user-friendly, and efficient.