Figma is a cloud-based graphic design and prototyping tool, widely used by designers to create user interfaces (UI), interactive prototypes, and digital product designs. Launched in 2016, Figma has quickly established itself as one of the benchmark platforms for interface design and collaborative development.
Main features :
- Real-time collaborative design: One of Figma’s distinguishing features is its ability to allow multiple users to work simultaneously on the same project in real time, much as Google Docs does for documents. This facilitates collaboration between team members, be they designers, developers or other stakeholders.
- Cloud-based: Figma runs directly in the browser, which means there’s no need to install a dedicated application. Files are stored in the cloud, enabling easy access from any Internet-connected device. This also simplifies version management and project sharing.
- Interactive prototyping: In addition to creating static designs, Figma lets you create interactive prototypes, where designers can simulate interactions, transitions and animations to better visualize the final user experience.
- Plugins and integrations: Figma supports a wide range of plugins that add extra functionality, such as automation of repetitive tasks, integration with project management tools like Jira, or dynamic content generation.
- Reusable components: Figma lets you create reusable components (such as buttons, icons, etc.), enabling you to maintain design consistency across different projects. Updates to these components can be applied globally, reducing repetitive work.
- Design system: Thanks to its shared library functionality, Figma lets you create and manage complete design systems, where design elements (colors, typography, components, etc.) can be standardized and reused across multiple projects.
- Comment management: Figma also enables comments to be left directly on designs, facilitating communication between design, development and customer teams.
Use by professionals :
- User interface (UI) design: Designers use Figma to create interfaces for mobile applications, websites and other digital products.
- UX prototyping: Figma is used to create interactive prototypes that simulate the user experience, enabling concepts to be tested and refined before development.
- Cross-team collaboration: Thanks to its collaborative nature, Figma is used by interdisciplinary teams, enabling designers, developers, project managers and others to work together more effectively.
- Design systems development: Companies use Figma to create and maintain design systems, ensuring consistency and efficiency in large-scale digital product development.
Why is Figma so popular?
It has become popular because of its flexibility, collaborative approach and ability to run entirely in the cloud. It meets the modern needs of design teams that are often geographically distributed and require a centralized tool for frictionless collaboration. In addition, Figma reduces the silos between designers and developers, facilitating better communication and a smoother transition from design to development.
In short, Figma is a powerful tool for all aspects of digital interface design and prototyping, particularly appreciated for its real-time collaboration capabilities and flexibility.
