Want to hire Figma developer? Then you should know!
- TOP 14 Tech facts and history of creation and versions about Figma Development
- Cases when Figma does not work
- What are top Figma instruments and tools?
- How and where is Figma used?
- Soft skills of a Figma Developer
- TOP 10 Figma Related Technologies
- Hard skills of a Figma Developer
- Pros & cons of Figma
TOP 14 Tech facts and history of creation and versions about Figma Development
- Figma is a cloud-based design and prototyping tool that was developed by Dylan Field and Evan Wallace in San Francisco, California in 2012.
- It was created with the goal of revolutionizing the way designers collaborate and work together on projects, introducing a real-time collaboration feature that allows multiple users to work on the same design simultaneously.
- Unlike traditional design software, Figma operates entirely in the browser and can be accessed on any operating system, making it highly accessible and convenient for designers.
- In 2016, Figma introduced the plugin system, allowing users to extend the functionality of the tool by creating custom plugins.
- Figma has a robust design system feature called “Components” that enables designers to create reusable UI elements and maintain consistency across multiple designs.
- The introduction of Auto Layout in 2019 made it easier for designers to create responsive designs that adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.
- Figma’s design files are stored in the cloud, eliminating the need for manual file management and enabling seamless collaboration between team members.
- In 2020, Figma launched the Design API, providing developers with programmatic access to Figma’s platform and allowing for integrations with other tools and services.
- Figma has gained significant popularity among designers and design teams due to its intuitive interface, robust collaboration features, and cross-platform compatibility.
- As of 2021, Figma has over 4 million users, including notable companies like Microsoft, Uber, and Slack.
- The tool has received several accolades, including being named one of the “Best Apps of 2020” by Time Magazine.
- Figma offers a free plan with limited features and subscription plans for individuals and teams with additional benefits such as unlimited projects and version history.
- Figma has a thriving community of designers who share resources, plugins, and design templates, further enhancing the tool’s capabilities and versatility.
- Figma has a robust set of design and prototyping features, including vector editing, interactive prototyping, commenting, and design handoff.
Cases when Figma does not work
- Unsupported browsers: Figma is optimized to work on modern web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. If you are using an outdated or unsupported browser, you may encounter compatibility issues or experience slower performance.
- Slow internet connection: Figma is a cloud-based design tool that heavily relies on a stable and fast internet connection. If you have a slow internet connection, you may face difficulties in loading files, collaborating with team members in real-time, or experience laggy performance.
- Large file sizes: Figma allows designers to work on complex projects with multiple artboards, layers, and high-resolution assets. However, if you are working with extremely large file sizes, it might take longer to load or save changes, which can impact your workflow efficiency.
- Limited offline functionality: Figma is primarily designed to work online, and while it offers a desktop app, the offline functionality is limited. If you are in an area with no internet access or experiencing connectivity issues, you won’t be able to access or edit your designs until the connection is restored.
- Third-party integrations: While Figma supports various integrations with other tools and plugins, there might be instances where certain integrations don’t function as expected. This can occur due to compatibility issues, API changes, or limitations imposed by the third-party software.
- Hardware limitations: Figma is a resource-intensive application, especially when working on complex designs or animations. If you are using an older computer or have limited system resources (CPU, RAM, GPU), you may experience slower performance, rendering issues, or crashes.
What are top Figma instruments and tools?
- Figma Mirror: Figma Mirror is a mobile app that allows you to preview your Figma designs on your mobile device in real-time. It is available for both iOS and Android devices. With Figma Mirror, you can see how your designs look and interact on a mobile device, making it easier to test and iterate on your designs.
- Figma Design System: Figma Design System is a set of reusable components, styles, and guidelines that help teams maintain consistency and improve efficiency in their design process. It allows designers to create and manage a centralized library of design assets that can be shared and used across multiple projects. With Figma Design System, teams can ensure that their designs are consistent and aligned with the brand guidelines.
- Figma Auto Layout: Figma Auto Layout is a powerful feature that allows designers to create responsive and flexible designs. It automatically adjusts the layout of elements based on the content inside them, making it easier to create designs that work well on different screen sizes. With Auto Layout, designers can save time and effort by eliminating the need to manually adjust the layout for each screen size.
- Figma Plugins: Figma Plugins are extensions that enhance the functionality of Figma. They allow designers to automate repetitive tasks, add new features, and integrate with other tools and services. Figma has a growing ecosystem of plugins created by the community, offering a wide range of functionality, from generating placeholder content to integrating with project management tools.
- Figma Collaboration: Figma Collaboration features enable teams to work together in real-time on the same design files. Multiple designers can simultaneously work on a design, making it easy to collaborate and provide feedback. Figma also allows users to leave comments and annotations directly on the design, streamlining the feedback process.
- Figma Prototyping: Figma Prototyping allows designers to create interactive prototypes without leaving the Figma interface. It offers a range of interactive elements, including hotspots, transitions, and overlays. With Figma Prototyping, designers can quickly create interactive experiences and test the flow and usability of their designs.
- Figma Version History: Figma Version History keeps track of all changes made to a design file, allowing designers to easily revert to a previous version if needed. It provides a detailed timeline of changes, including who made the changes and when. Version History helps designers collaborate with confidence, knowing that they can always go back to a previous iteration.
How and where is Figma used?
Case | Description |
---|---|
Collaborative Design | Figma Development allows designers and developers to collaborate seamlessly in real-time on the same design files. This eliminates the need for manual handoffs and reduces communication gaps between teams. With Figma’s cloud-based platform, multiple designers and developers can work on a project simultaneously, making it easier to iterate and refine designs. This collaborative approach fosters better teamwork and ensures that everyone is on the same page throughout the design process. |
Design System Management | Figma Development provides a centralized hub for managing design systems. Designers can create design components and styles that can be easily reused across different projects. This saves time and effort by eliminating the need to recreate design elements from scratch. Design systems in Figma can be shared and updated in real-time, ensuring consistency across all designs. This feature is particularly valuable for organizations that have multiple teams working on various projects. |
Prototyping | Figma Development offers powerful prototyping capabilities, allowing designers to create interactive and clickable prototypes without writing a single line of code. Designers can define user flows, add animations, and simulate user interactions to test and validate their designs. This enables stakeholders to experience the design in a realistic manner, providing valuable insights and feedback before moving into development. Figma’s prototyping feature streamlines the design iteration process and helps teams make informed decisions. |
Version Control and Design History | Figma Development includes version control and design history features that enable designers to track changes, revert to previous versions, and collaborate effectively. Designers can see who made specific changes, leave comments, and compare different versions of a design. This helps teams maintain a clear audit trail and ensures that everyone is working on the most up-to-date design files. Version control and design history in Figma improve transparency, accountability, and facilitate better collaboration. |
Developer Handoff | Figma Development simplifies the handoff process between designers and developers. Designers can generate design specs and assets directly from Figma, providing developers with all the necessary information to implement the design accurately. Developers can inspect design elements, access code snippets, and download assets in the desired format. This streamlines the handoff process, reduces the chances of misinterpretation, and improves the overall efficiency of the development phase. |
Soft skills of a Figma Developer
Soft skills are just as important as technical skills for a Figma Developer. These skills help them collaborate effectively with designers, developers, and other stakeholders, and contribute to the overall success of a project. Here are the essential soft skills for Figma Developers at different levels:
Junior
- Communication: Able to effectively communicate ideas and concepts to team members and stakeholders.
- Adaptability: Quick to learn new tools and processes and adapt to changing project requirements.
- Attention to Detail: Pays close attention to small details in design files to ensure accuracy and quality.
- Time Management: Manages time effectively to meet project deadlines.
- Collaboration: Works well in a team environment and actively participates in discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Middle
- Leadership: Takes initiative and provides guidance to junior team members.
- Problem Solving: Analyzes design challenges and finds creative solutions.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluates design decisions and provides constructive feedback.
- Client Management: Handles client interactions professionally and effectively.
- Project Management: Manages multiple projects simultaneously and ensures timely delivery.
- Empathy: Understands the needs and perspectives of users and incorporates them into the design process.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolves conflicts within the team and facilitates smooth collaboration.
Senior
- Mentorship: Mentors and guides junior and middle-level developers to help them grow.
- Strategic Thinking: Aligns design decisions with overall business goals and objectives.
- Presentation Skills: Presents design concepts and ideas to clients and stakeholders confidently.
- Negotiation: Negotiates project scope, timelines, and deliverables with clients.
- Quality Assurance: Ensures design files meet high standards of quality and consistency.
- Client Relationship Management: Builds strong relationships with clients and understands their long-term goals.
- Team Management: Leads and manages a team of developers, providing direction and support.
- Innovation: Keeps up with industry trends and explores innovative design techniques.
Expert/Team Lead
- Strategic Leadership: Sets the vision and direction for the design team and drives innovation.
- Business Acumen: Understands the business context and aligns design strategies with organizational goals.
- Decision Making: Makes informed and data-driven design decisions.
- Stakeholder Management: Builds strong relationships with key stakeholders and manages their expectations.
- Change Management: Guides the team through organizational and process changes effectively.
- Thought Leadership: Publishes articles, speaks at conferences, and contributes to the design community.
- Continuous Learning: Keeps up with the latest design trends and technologies through self-learning and professional development.
- Team Building: Builds and nurtures a high-performing and diverse design team.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolves complex conflicts within the team and across departments.
- Strategic Partnerships: Establishes partnerships with external agencies and vendors to enhance design capabilities.
- Budget Management: Manages the design budget effectively and optimizes resource allocation.
TOP 10 Figma Related Technologies
JavaScript
JavaScript is the most fundamental programming language for Figma software development. It is widely used for adding interactivity and functionality to web-based applications.
React
React is a popular JavaScript library used for building user interfaces. It allows developers to create reusable UI components and efficiently manage the state of the application.
HTML/CSS
HTML and CSS are essential for creating the structure and styling of web pages. Figma software development heavily relies on these technologies to design and layout user interfaces.
Node.js
Node.js is a runtime environment that allows developers to run JavaScript on the server-side. It is commonly used for building scalable and efficient backend systems for Figma software.
Webpack
Webpack is a popular module bundler for JavaScript applications. It helps optimize and bundle the code, making it easier to manage dependencies and improve performance.
TypeScript
TypeScript is a statically-typed superset of JavaScript that provides enhanced tooling and type-checking capabilities. It is often favored by Figma developers for its ability to catch errors early in the development process.
Git
Git is a distributed version control system that allows developers to track changes, collaborate, and manage code repositories. It is an essential tool for Figma software development, enabling teams to work together seamlessly.
Hard skills of a Figma Developer
Hard skills of a Figma Developer:
Junior
- Proficiency in using Figma for UI/UX design
- Understanding of basic design principles and concepts
- Knowledge of design systems and component libraries
- Ability to create and edit design prototypes
- Familiarity with collaboration features in Figma
Middle
- Advanced proficiency in Figma for complex UI/UX design projects
- Strong understanding of design thinking and user-centered design
- Experience in creating and maintaining design systems
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Knowledge of version control and design handoff workflows
- Understanding of accessibility and responsive design principles
- Experience in creating interactive design prototypes
Senior
- Expert-level proficiency in Figma for designing scalable and innovative UI/UX solutions
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor design teams
- Deep understanding of design strategy and product vision
- Experience in conducting user research and usability testing
- Knowledge of advanced design techniques, such as microinteractions and motion design
- Ability to integrate Figma with other design and prototyping tools
- Experience in designing for multiple platforms (web, mobile, etc.)
- Proficiency in coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Expert/Team Lead
- Extensive experience in designing complex and scalable UI/UX solutions using Figma
- Proven track record of leading and managing design teams
- Ability to define design processes and workflows
- Expert knowledge of design systems and design ops
- Experience in conducting design audits and providing design critiques
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders and drive design decisions
- Knowledge of design thinking methodologies and agile development practices
- Proficiency in presenting and pitching design concepts to clients
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
Pros & cons of Figma
6 Pros of Figma
- Figma is a cloud-based design tool, which means you can access your designs from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes collaboration and sharing with team members and clients seamless and efficient.
- Real-time collaboration is one of the biggest advantages of Figma. Multiple designers can work on the same file simultaneously, making it easy to collaborate and provide feedback in real-time. This can significantly speed up the design process and improve team productivity.
- Figma offers a powerful vector editing tool that allows designers to create and edit complex vector graphics with ease. The tool provides a wide range of features and functionality similar to industry-standard design tools like Adobe Illustrator.
- With Figma’s prototyping capabilities, designers can create interactive prototypes and test them directly within the tool. This eliminates the need for additional prototyping software and streamlines the design and feedback loop.
- Another advantage of Figma is its versatile design components. Designers can create reusable design components and libraries, making it easier to maintain consistency across multiple projects and ensure a cohesive user experience.
- Figma provides robust design version control and history tracking. Designers can easily revert to previous versions of their designs, compare changes, and collaborate on specific design iterations.
6 Cons of Figma
- Figma’s offline capabilities are limited. Although you can access your designs offline, you won’t be able to make any changes or edits until you regain an internet connection.
- While Figma is a powerful design tool, it may not have all the advanced features and capabilities of more specialized design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Sketch.
- Some designers might find the learning curve of Figma to be steep, especially if they are used to working with other design tools. However, with its intuitive interface and extensive documentation, the learning curve can be overcome with practice.
- Figma’s pricing structure may not be suitable for individual designers or freelancers who have a limited budget. The tool is primarily designed for teams and organizations, which can make it less affordable for individuals.
- Although Figma offers a wide range of plugins and integrations, it may not have the same extensive ecosystem as other design tools. This can limit the availability of specific integrations or workflow enhancements.
- As Figma is a cloud-based tool, there may be concerns about data security and privacy. While Figma takes measures to ensure data protection, some organizations may prefer to keep their design files stored locally to maintain control over their data.