Introduction to Figma

Jul 19, 2024

Introduction to Figma

Overview

  • Speaker: Kevin
  • Topic: Learning how to use Figma, a powerful collaborative design tool
  • Objectives: By the end of the session, you'll be able to design, prototype, and collaborate on interface designs in Figma

Getting Started

  • Access Figma:
    • Visit the website through provided links (affiliate links)
    • Create a free account
  • Initial Setup:
    • Enter your name and work type (e.g., freelancer, teammates)
    • Optionally invite collaborators
    • Choose the starter plan (free)
    • Optionally use FigJam for whiteboarding sessions
  • File Browser:
    • Recent files, drafts (personal sketches), and team projects
    • Create new files, import files, and set favorites

Design Basics

  • Frames:
    • Analogous to artboards
    • Create using the frame tool with shortcuts
    • Predefined sizes for different devices
  • Panning and Zooming:
    • Use hand tool, middle mouse button, space + left mouse button, two fingers on track pad
    • Control key + mouse wheel for zooming
    • Fitting content with Shift + 1
  • Renaming Layers:
    • Double-click to rename for better organization
  • Pages:
    • Useful for organizing different screen sizes or app versions
  • Backgrounds & Fills:
    • Image backgrounds with fill options (crop, fit, tile)
    • Add and customize shapes

Working with Text

  • Adding Text:
    • Insert text, customize font size, and color
    • Text effects like drop shadows for better visibility
  • Auto Layout:
    • Create responsive design elements with consistent spacing and padding

Components and Constraints

  • Components:
    • Convert design elements into reusable components
    • Changes in components flow through all instances
  • Constraints:
    • Define how objects resize across different device sizes
    • Use constraints for responsiveness (top, bottom, left, right, center, scale)

Adding Images and Shapes

  • Images:
    • Insert images and use masks to shape content
  • Shapes:
    • Combination of different shapes (rectangle, ellipse, pen tool) to create icons and other elements

Prototyping

  • Creating Prototypes:
    • Use Prototype view
    • Define starting point, link buttons to different frames
    • Configure transitions (instant, dissolve, move in/out)
  • Testing and Sharing:
    • Play button to test the prototype
    • Share prototypes with team members for feedback

Collaborative Features

  • Comments:
    • Add comments for team feedback
    • Resolve or discuss comments within the design
  • Exporting Designs:
    • Export individual frames or complete designs as PNG or PDFs

Summary

  • Figma offers powerful tools for designing, prototyping, and collaborating
  • Multiple features support responsiveness and reusability (components, constraints)
  • Sharing and feedback functionalities streamline collaborative workflows

Next Steps

  • Practice designing in Figma with the learned tools and techniques
  • Explore additional Figma tutorials for advanced designs