Figma Design Tutorial

Overview

The video provides a step-by-step introductory tutorial on using Figma, a collaborative design tool, by walking through the process of designing a mobile app interface for the "Kevin Cookie Company." Core topics include account setup, workspace navigation, UI element creation, components, styles, prototyping, and sharing designs.

Getting Started with Figma

• Figma is a free, collaborative UI/UX design tool for apps and websites.
• Begin by signing up on the Figma website, entering your name and work details, and choosing a starter or professional plan.
• Two main products: Figma (design/prototyping) and FigJam (whiteboarding/collaboration).
• File browser includes Recents, Drafts (personal), and Teams (collaborative projects).

Creating Projects and Organizing Files

• Projects help organize design files; free accounts allow one project per team.
• Design files can be moved between projects and drafts.
• Team members can be invited to collaborate at both the project and team level.

Figma Editor Layout and File Setup

• The editor features a top toolbar, left and right panes, and a central canvas.
• Rename files and frames for clarity; frames are containers for screens (e.g., Home, Locations, Cart).
• Use pages for different device types (e.g., Phone, Tablet).

Working with Frames, Shapes, and Layers

• Insert frames with the toolbar or shortcuts; device frame presets are available.
• Adjust frame dimensions manually or with predefined device sizes.
• Add and manipulate shapes (rectangles, ellipses) and align them within frames.
• Use layers panel to organize, rename, and group elements.

Adding Images, Backgrounds, and Effects

• Set frame backgrounds using colors, images, or gradients.
• Crop, fit, or tile images; use blur/effects for background images.
• Add overlays (e.g., semi-transparent rectangles) for better text visibility.

Text, Grids, and Measurement Tools

• Insert and edit text using toolbar or keyboard shortcuts.
• Modify text properties, alignment, and add drop shadows or other effects.
• Use layout grids for alignment and redlines (Alt key) for pixel-perfect spacing.

Building Navigation and Icons

• Create navigation bars as frames; place and distribute icon placeholders.
• Design icons using shapes, the pen tool, and boolean operations (combine, subtract).
• Group icons and rectangles for easier movement and management.

Components, Styles, and Reusability

• Convert recurring elements (navigation bar, cards) into components for reusability.
• Updates to a component instance propagate to all uses across the design.
• Apply and create text and color styles for consistent formatting.

Constraints and Responsiveness

• Use constraints to control element resizing and positioning across different screen sizes.
• Lock navigation bars and icons to specific edges (left, right, bottom) for responsiveness.

Arranging Content and Using Placeholders

• Build screens using components and align elements precisely.
• Insert image placeholders and apply masks (e.g., circles for cookie images).
• Adjust component layouts to update all instances at once.

Prototyping and Previewing

• Switch to prototype mode to add links between buttons and screens.
• Set flow starting points and configure navigation triggers.
• Test interactions by previewing the prototype in a device frame.

Sharing and Collaboration

• Share prototypes or design files with team members by email or link.
• Set user permissions (edit, view, prototype only) when sharing.
• Add and manage comments for feedback and discussion.
• Export designs as images or PDFs for external sharing.

Decisions

• Use Figma Starter plan for the video tutorial.
• Organize design by screens and device types using frames and pages.
• Convert navigation bar and location card into components for reuse.
• Apply constraints to navigation and icons for responsive design.
• Create text and color styles for consistent formatting.

Action Items

• TBD – Kevin: Build out the cart screen content in future design iterations.
• TBD – Team: Provide feedback on the shared prototype and design elements.