The days when Photoshop and Illustrator were the sole tools for web design are long gone. While popular apps like Sketch and Adobe XD are still widely used among designers, they don’t always fit specific project needs. The demand for cross-platform solutions grows daily. In 2016, Figma emerged as a universal, user-friendly online platform for collaborative user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
Optimized for teamwork and for designing web interfaces, mobile apps, and other digital products, Figma has significantly streamlined processes and improved communication between developers and clients. While not all clients may notice the choice of design tool, Figma offers numerous advantages that impact the final product. Let’s dive into its benefits and explore why it's a favorite among web developers.
1. Collaborative Access in Product Creation
With Figma, every team member can seamlessly work on designs in sync with the team. Designers can create or update a website or app, and clients or developers can follow the UI/UX design stages in real-time if they choose. This real-time collaboration sets Figma apart from other design software that often requires file exports or third-party apps for group work. By allowing work on a single project without file exchanges, the design process becomes simpler and helps avoid version-related errors.
2. Cross-Platform Convenience and Cloud-Based Advantages
Figma is a cloud-based web application accessible on Windows, macOS, and even Linux. Users only need to open a link to access the project—no need for heavy software downloads or installs, nor for costly licenses; just an internet connection and a browser. Neat, right? Every team member can connect to the project from anywhere, which is invaluable for teams working across time zones.
* Figma also offers a paid subscription option, granting access to additional features, ideal for efficient collaboration in larger companies.
3.Comments as a Key to Improved Communication in Design
Imagine a client or developer reviewing a design and spotting an area that needs attention. Instead of lengthy emails or calls, they can simply leave a comment directly on the design. This means the designer can quickly address feedback or provide explanations without switching between programs. It’s fast, convenient, and keeps communication productive.
4. Interface and Responsive Design
Figma isn’t just a design program; it’s a true creative workspace for designers. With a well-thought-out and intuitive interface featuring an extensive set of tools and elements for UI/UX design—including grids, layers, masks, and components—it’s especially useful today when more than 60% of users visit websites on mobile devices, making responsive design essential.
Figma’s built-in features with dynamic properties, like auto-layouts, adapt designs quickly for various devices. Components automatically adjust to their container's content, updating their size and position without needing manual adjustments, which saves time and speeds up project delivery.
5. Professional Site Design Systems
Design systems are invaluable in web development for standardizing elements and streamlining work. Figma not only supports design systems but also makes them more efficient. With component libraries and collaboration tools, Figma allows designers to quickly create layouts and ensure visual elements stay consistent. This ensures all elements—buttons, icons, fonts—look cohesive across all pages. For example, changing one button’s color will update it everywhere that button is used, saving time and ensuring stylistic unity across the site. As projects grow, component libraries minimize manual work, making updates fast and effortless.
6. Creating Interactive Prototypes: UX Visualization and Testing
When it's time to present ideas, Figma's interactive prototypes are invaluable. They help clients and teams understand how the future website or app will function. Unlike static mockups, interactive prototypes let users “click” on elements, navigate pages, and view animations, visualizing the product's concept.
For clients, this is essential, as they can test site usability and functionality before development starts, saving costs and improving the final product.
7. Plugins and Integrations
If a designer needs more than Figma’s standard features, plugins can expand its capabilities, from creating complex grids to optimizing images and generating content.
Figma also integrates well with platforms like Google Workspace, Zeplin, Trello, Slack, and Jira. In today’s work environment, where successful projects rely on seamless collaboration, Figma’s compatibility with these external services is invaluable, simplifying communication between designers, developers, and managers.
8. Exporting and Handoff to Developers
Handoff from designer to developer is like passing the baton in a relay race: it needs to be smooth and seamless. Figma’s built-in inspect tool gives developers direct access to design details, such as dimensions, spacing, colors, and even auto-generated CSS code. This accelerates coding and development.
If necessary, Figma can export graphics in PNG, SVG, and PDF formats, enhancing its versatility and making team collaboration easier while boosting the product's quality.
Achieve Success with Figma and TripleFork IT
Effective UI/UX design plays a critical role in the success of a software product, be it a website or mobile app. Figma simplifies workflows, making the process transparent and user-friendly for developers. Clients can easily monitor design progress, make necessary adjustments, and be confident in the high quality of the final result.
Our IT team, as experts in digital business solutions, is ready to assist in creating appealing and modern interfaces, whether it’s an online store, landing page, corporate website, or web portal. If you have any questions or need professional support, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to help bring your project to life, creating a comfortable collaboration experience.
