The Problem
If you are a developer in product development, you are probably no stranger to feature design prototypes on the Figma tool. Through these visual images, we can communicate and work more efficiently with each other.
Creating such design prototypes requires designers to have a lot of knowledge about graphics and UI/UX skills. As a developer, I have to admit that Figma was initially challenging for me to use. But because I discovered the potential that Figma brings, I had to motivate myself to learn how to use it.
So, as a developer, why do I need Figma? In today's article, I would like to share my perspective on why developers should know how to use Figma.
Why Use Figma
Firstly, if you don't know what Figma is used for, it is a vector graphics editing and prototyping software. Figma focuses on supporting UI/UX design work and real-time collaboration.
The ability to design UI/UX is what I need to create new interface designs for my blog. In the past, I tried various methods such as sketching on paper, using online wireframe tools… but these methods only partially met my needs, and they also revealed their limitations. For example, sketching on paper is fast, but it is difficult to edit, and it is not as complete and detailed as computer graphics. Wireframing only helps me create layouts without detailed graphics.
Figma is a tool that helps me overcome these limitations. I can create wireframes and make quick edits. I can even create a complete design for a page on my blog. After I am satisfied, I send them to a few people for feedback. If everything is fine, I implement the design into HTML code.
Currently, my skill in using Figma is at a basic level. The knowledge I have gained is mainly from reading the documentation on Figma's website and watching their tutorial videos on Youtube.
Why Should You Know How to Use Figma
There are several benefits that I have gained from learning to use the Figma tool.
Using Figma indirectly exposes you to thousands of design templates available on this platform. These are design templates shared by users on this platform. There are detailed design templates as well as component templates that we can reuse. This helps save time and effort in searching for new design inspiration. Moreover, if you can't create a design, you can use the available component templates.
Visualize your ideas quickly through design prototypes, evaluate, and make adjustments until you are satisfied. Instead of imagining in your head, you can now bring it to life on Figma. You can quickly see your results and use them as motivation for further development.
Through Figma, we can easily share our designs with others for them to view or provide feedback. Designs may look "perfect" in the eyes of the creator, but sometimes external observers quickly notice "details" that we didn't expect or overlooked. This helps you quickly identify and make improvements for a more refined design.
In addition to creating web/mobile design prototypes, Figma can also do other tasks, such as designing logos and icons. If you learn how to design, you can freely create products with your preferred style without depending on anyone else.
Using Figma requires knowledge of UI/UX, and if you don't know much about it, Figma forces you to develop your UI/UX skills and aesthetic sense by constantly practicing and exploring. Continuously updating yourself with new design trends keeps the user experience of the products you develop up to date.
Conclusion
In this article, I have presented the reasons why a developer like me chose to learn how to use Figma. For you or others, Figma may bring even more benefits. I hope that after reading this article, developers who are on the way to conquering Figma or professional designers can share their experiences of learning and using Figma with me and everyone else!