Figma is my jam

During my second month into Flatiron, our cohort was introduced to a wireframe/prototyping software called Figma. I was using Sketch before this on my small MacBook Pro. I had some gripes with Sketch.

It’s exclusively for macOS only. The tech and framework for Sketch are exclusively designed around it. As a long time PC user, it’s a giant blow to me. I have a pretty powerful PC. I do all of my work on it. So resorting to a 13-inch screen on my laptop didn’t sit well with me from the start. It’s also a resource hog as well, turning my laptop into a mini radiator and slowing down when many assets are on screen.

This is not to rip on Sketch. It’s an impressive piece of software capable of churning out some stunning wireframes. I’ve had yet to see the full scope of this program. I hope to explore this software in more detail as I continue my journey as a UX Designer.

Here comes Figma

Figma is a web-based design tool like Google Doc but for design. You can launch Figma through your desktop or on a browser. I recommend using the desktop application for a smoother experience. But if you’re in a pitch on another computer, the browser experience is almost just as good. Figma allows for fast pace development of wireframes and has built in tools to create simple prototypes like inVision. It’s true strength is the ability to collaborate in real time with other designers is it’s true strength. All you need to do is give them a link with access privileges and presto, you are working side by side with your team. With native prototyping and hand off tools baked into the program. It seamlines the process and makes it easier for designers to showcase their concepts to their clients.Most importantly for me, I can use it on my PC. Lag is never is never an issue using this program barring some weird hiccups with it’s prototyping capabilities. Like Sketch, it’s a software with a lot of depth. It will take some time to for me to utilize this software to it’s maximum potential.