Figma Looks Promising
Once in a while, a new tool comes up trying to make things in technology better. In a software or web development company, collaboration between designers, programmers, and content creators is the way of life. However, the process takes time because documents and prototypes keep tossing back and forth to all stakeholders. Even if there are collaborative tools available, someone could accidentally overwrite someone else’s suggestion and there’s nothing to undo it.
Now, there’s Figma, a new browser-based interface design tool. Launched in September 2016, this tool allows multiple people collaborate in real time.
The free version allows a user to create up to 3 projects and its version history is only up to 30 days. The paid version available as of this writing is for professional team and costs $12 per editor per month (if billed annually). By next year, Figma will launch its enterprise version for companies.
It has three modes: design, prototype, and code.
- The design mode allows the designer to create user a interface based on the screen size he/she chooses. Unlike before that most web designers design for the desktop only and let the programmers adjust for the mobile version, Figma allows the user to choose what screen to design first. Mobile phone, tablet, desktop, and even watch.
- The prototype mode allows the user to visualize and see how the product design move from one step to the next. Users can add connections to show how each step relates to the next. The good thing about Figma, all users can switch between the design and prototype mode without the hassle of syncing or exporting before switching.
- The code mode allows programmers to view and edit the codes underlying these designs or prototypes.
With one tool, designers and programmers will be on the same page, literally and figuratively. It lessens the tossing of the designs and documents back and forth. Not only that, even content creators or copywriters can join in the fun.
And to top it all, Figma can work well with Mac, Windows, and Linux. Isn’t this amazing?