Choosing Figma: A Designer's Journey Through Collaboration, Flexibility, and Community Support
Since 2020 I entered the design world, I have learnt and practiced many tools like Sketch, Miro, Marvel, Axure, and Adobe products, etc. I want to share my experience on how I settled on Figma as my primary design tool. The key aspects I will focus on include Figma's collaboration capabilities, flexibility and accessibility, integration and ecosystem, user interface and usability, on-boarding experience and the community and resources available.
Collaboration Capabilities
Figma vs. Sketch/Marvel/Adobe XD: Figma's real-time collaboration is a game-changer. Unlike Sketch, which requires plugins like Abstract for version control and collaboration, Figma allows multiple designers to work on the same file simultaneously. Marvel and Adobe XD have introduced collaboration features, but Figma's seamless, in-browser collaboration without the need for additional software or plugins sets it apart.
Flexibility and Accessibility
Figma vs. Sketch: Figma's browser-based platform means it's accessible on any OS with internet access, contrasting with Sketch, which is limited to macOS. This accessibility breaks down barriers for teams working across different operating systems.
Integration and Ecosystem
Figma vs. Axure/Miro: While Axure and Miro offer robust prototyping and brainstorming tools, respectively, Figma’s extensive plugin ecosystem and API support for integrations outpace both in terms of versatility. Figma integrates with a wide array of other tools (e.g., Slack, Zeplin, JIRA) more fluidly, enhancing workflow efficiency.
User Interface and Usability
Figma vs. Adobe Products/Axure: Figma’s UI is notably more intuitive and easier for newcomers to grasp compared to the complexity of Adobe products or the steep learning curve of Axure. This user-friendly approach, combined with powerful features, provides a balanced tool that accommodates both simple and complex projects.
Enhanced Onboarding Experience
Figma vs. Sketch/Axure/Adobe Products: Figma's onboarding experience is exceptionally user-friendly and designed to get users comfortable with its interface and features quickly. In contrast, tools like Axure and some Adobe products, with their rich feature sets and complex interfaces, can present a steep learning curve for new users, often requiring more time to become proficient. Sketch, while more accessible than some Adobe products, still doesn't match Figma's interactive tutorials and example projects that guide users through their first steps in the tool, making it easier for them to start designing right away.
Community and Resources
Figma’s community is a rich resource for designers. With an extensive library of templates, plugins, and UI kits available, designers can speed up their workflow and learn from the community. The active user base and availability of educational content also mean that help and inspiration are readily available. This community support, combined with Figma’s commitment to regularly updating and improving its platform, ensures that designers have a tool that grows with their needs.
The decision to choose Figma as my primary design tool over others likely stemmed from its superior collaboration features, flexibility and accessibility, extensive integration options, user-friendly interface, and the supportive community around it. These factors not only streamline the design process but also enhance teamwork, efficiency, and creativity. In a rapidly evolving design landscape, Figma offers a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of modern designers, making it a compelling choice for professionals looking to optimise their workflow and produce high-quality designs efficiently.
