Lecture: Interactive Components in Figma

Overview

• Introducing interactive components to simplify prototyping in Figma
• Making smaller, reusable components for quicker, more fun iterations

Key Features and Concepts

Before Interactive Components

• Creating small interactions was cumbersome
• Required many frames for complex actions (e.g., simple lists, check marking)

With Interactive Components

• Simpler, componentized interactions
• Shareable and reusable elements
• More accessible prototyping and quicker iterations

Origin and Core Idea

• Feature conceived about 2.5 years ago during 'Make a week'
• Goal: Minimize interaction concepts for larger prototypes
• Consistent behavior from small hover states to large prototypes

Key Use Cases and Design Constraints

• Focus on core use cases: check boxes, buttons
• Building simple constructs to create complex systems
• Ensure deep abstraction while maintaining simplicity

Practical Examples

Hover States, Menus, and Tooltips

• Example: Hovering interaction within variants (button hover example)
• Multiple interactions within the same frame
• Persisting elements across frames

Carousel and Tic-Tac-Toe

• Multiple interactions nesting within each other
• Micro-interactions in single frame
• Resetting individual states within a frame

Experiments and Dynamic Prototypes

• Using auto-delay for dynamic interactions
• Multi-frame interactions preserving states (component memory)
• Experimenting with iterations and changes affecting prototype behavior

Advanced Examples

Component Memory

• Interactive component states remembered across frames
• E.g., a circle changing color and persisting change across frames

Animation

• Component-based animation with auto-delay and smart animate
• Linear transitions for constant motion
• Multiple instances with varied timings

Prototyping Practices

• Opportunity for micro animations in larger projects
• Encourages exploratory prototyping without tedious setup
• Modular interaction structure promoting readability

Community Examples

• Sudoku input mechanisms using interactive components
• Comparison slider using drag interaction
• Minesweeper game with dynamic elements
• Custom keyboard with key gamepad interactions
• Complete replicas of UI systems within Figma prototype

Future Directions and Questions

• Beta development and user feedback acknowledged
• Plans for enhanced logic and auto layout integration
• Use of interactive components in complex design synergies

Conclusion and Further Interaction

• Encouragement to explore interactive component potential in designs
• Invitations to continued community interaction and feedback

Upcoming Sessions

• Session on educational applications of interactive components