Why Everyone is Using Figma: The Tool You Need to Know About

If you’ve ever worked in the realm of design, you’ve probably heard of Figma. But if you’re new to the tool or wondering exactly what Figma is used for, you’re in the right place. Figma is a collaborative interface design tool, but simply calling it a “design tool” feels like an understatement. It has become a critical part of the workflow for UI/UX designers, product managers, developers, and even marketing teams. The software has a unique appeal, primarily due to its cloud-based nature, which allows real-time collaboration like no other design tool on the market.

At its core, Figma is primarily used for designing user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX). However, its versatility has enabled it to stretch beyond just UI/UX, making it a favorite in a range of industries. Whether you’re working on website designs, mobile app prototypes, or social media graphics, Figma offers a range of features that make it more than just a design tool—it’s a complete design ecosystem.

The Origin and Rise of Figma

To understand what Figma is used for, it helps to know a bit about its origins. Figma was founded in 2012 by Dylan Field and Evan Wallace, two young tech entrepreneurs who set out to disrupt the design software market. Their goal was to create a design tool that was accessible from anywhere, regardless of the device. They aimed to take design out of the isolated, desktop software realm and into the collaborative, cloud-based world.

The result? Figma took off, particularly because of its ability to streamline teamwork in the design process. Designers were no longer limited to their own desktop screens, and team members—whether they were designers, developers, or stakeholders—could provide feedback, edit, and even work on designs simultaneously. This real-time collaboration made Figma stand out from other tools like Adobe XD or Sketch, where files need to be shared manually or via third-party plugins.

UI/UX Design: Figma’s Primary Use

So, what is Figma used for on a daily basis by designers? The most common application is for creating UI/UX designs. Whether you’re designing a mobile app, website, or even software interfaces, Figma provides everything you need to mock up and prototype designs.

• Wireframing and Prototyping: Figma is widely used to build wireframes, which are basic sketches or outlines of a project before it gets fully fleshed out. These wireframes serve as the skeleton of the design, allowing designers to map out the user journey. Once the wireframe is ready, Figma allows users to create interactive prototypes. These prototypes simulate the actual user experience, making it easier to understand how the final product will function before developers start building it.
• Component Libraries and Design Systems: One of Figma’s standout features is its ability to create reusable components, which is extremely helpful when building large projects. These components can be as simple as buttons or as complex as entire navigation bars. Figma’s design systems let teams create and manage component libraries, ensuring consistency across the board. This is especially important when designing apps or websites that have multiple pages or need to be scalable.
• Developer Handoff: After a design has been finalized, developers need to turn it into a functional product. Figma makes this handoff smoother by allowing developers to inspect the design, check dimensions, and export assets directly from the Figma file. This eliminates confusion and reduces the need for back-and-forth clarification.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Figma’s Unique Strength

One of the standout features that explains what Figma is used for is its ability to promote teamwork and collaboration. The days of sending massive design files back and forth between colleagues are long gone. Instead, Figma lets multiple users work on the same design in real-time. Imagine Google Docs, but for design.

This collaborative aspect is perfect for remote teams or for when stakeholders need to give feedback in real-time. No more sending files, waiting for feedback, making changes, and then sending files again. Figma updates instantly, so everyone on the project is always looking at the most up-to-date version of the design.

You can also leave comments directly on the design, which is handy for giving feedback or making suggestions without disrupting the flow of the design process. This feature is particularly useful for product managers or developers who need to suggest changes or provide guidance while the design is still in progress.

Cross-Platform Functionality

A major reason why Figma has gained such popularity is its cross-platform functionality. Whether you’re using a Mac, Windows, or even a Linux machine, Figma runs directly in the browser. This accessibility means that the only thing you need to get started is an internet connection. There’s no need to worry about software compatibility or installation issues.

This also means that Figma is perfect for teams spread across different geographies or time zones. You don’t need to rely on third-party cloud services to sync files or manage permissions—Figma does all of that automatically.

Beyond Design: Figma’s Expanded Role

Though it was originally built for designers, Figma has evolved into a platform that is useful for many roles within a company. Product managers, developers, marketing teams, and even executives have found ways to leverage Figma’s capabilities.

• Design Reviews: Stakeholders often need to review and approve designs. With Figma, this process is streamlined, as all designs live in one space, and it’s easy to share and comment on files. There’s no need to create lengthy presentation decks; stakeholders can interact directly with the design file.
• Developer Integration: Figma also plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between designers and developers. Developers can access the code snippets for any element within a design, making it easier to implement features exactly as the designer envisioned them. Many teams use Figma alongside tools like Jira or Slack to integrate design work into the broader development process.
• Marketing Materials: Figma’s versatility makes it a useful tool even beyond UI/UX. Marketing teams use Figma to create social media graphics, email templates, and promotional content. Its design systems can also ensure consistency in branding, making it easier to manage assets across different channels.

Figma Plugins and Customization

Figma’s functionality is enhanced by a wide range of plugins. These plugins are tools that automate repetitive tasks, introduce new features, or integrate Figma with other services like Google Sheets, Unsplash, or Airtable. Whether you need to resize images, create charts, or apply specific design effects, there’s likely a plugin for that.

Moreover, Figma’s API allows developers to create custom plugins or integrations that fit their specific workflow needs. This customization has made Figma not just a tool, but an adaptable platform that can be tailored to the specific requirements of individual teams or projects.

Conclusion: Why Figma?

To summarize, what is Figma used for? It’s used for much more than just designing interfaces. Figma is a tool that enables real-time collaboration, cross-platform design, and easy developer handoff. It’s a versatile platform that has redefined how teams work on digital projects.

Its cloud-based nature allows for seamless teamwork, making it ideal not only for designers but also for developers, marketers, and stakeholders. From creating prototypes to managing design systems and facilitating easy handoffs, Figma has become an indispensable tool in the modern workspace.

The future of design is undoubtedly moving towards more collaboration, and Figma is leading the charge. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a beginner, Figma provides an accessible, powerful, and adaptable tool that meets the diverse needs of today’s digital projects.