Figma training provides essential skills in creating interactive prototypes and responsive designs for websites and applications, positioning individuals to excel in user interface design careers. Courses focus on teaching technical design techniques, collaborative capabilities, and critical soft skills like empathy and communication, preparing students for roles in UX/UI design teams.
Figma is a collaborative tool that is used for user interface design. It allows users to collaborate in real-time and is popular for designing websites and applications. It can be run from a web browser, which means that it can be accessed by both PC and Mac users. Figma is a free tool. According to a recent article on the Figma blog titled, “Frame 2021: Design by the numbers, ” Figma has users in more than 235 countries and territories, and about half of them collaborate with others.
Figma was founded in 2012 by Dylan Field and Evan Wallace. They released a closed beta version in 2015, and then released Figma to the public in 2016. Since then, this application has been updated many times. One of the most notable updates was the addition of FigJam in 2021, an online space designed for remote collaboration. With more people now working from home, Figma has become increasingly important because it allows users to collaborate effectively even when they are not physically present together.
Figma skills will allow you to create mockups and interactive prototypes for websites and mobile applications. You can easily adapt your designs to different size screens, and add many different types of interactive elements such as hovering or scrolling functions. There are also many different plug-ins and templates that you can use with this application. Your prototypes can be easily tested to evaluate the user experience and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, Figma has built-in features that allow you to export code, making it easy to share designs with developers.
With Figma, you'll also find it easy to collaborate with a team. According to the 2023 Design Tools Survey conducted by UX Tools, Figma is the most popular UI design tool, used by an overwhelming majority of designers, with more than 80 percent of designers working in a team of at least two people. This application is web-based, so you won't have to transfer files or wait for feedback, and you won't risk team members looking at outdated versions. Instead, everyone involved in a project can work together in real-time.
When you take a Figma bootcamp, you'll learn how to use this application to create a variety of different designs. You'll learn how to incorporate many different elements such as text, color, and vector graphics. You may also learn to work with components, which are reusable elements. In addition, most Figma bootcamps help you learn to turn your designs into interactive prototypes, test them, and share them with other people. This includes wireframing, prototyping, and research design skills. Usability and accessibility are also important elements of this field, so these are also likely to be covered in a Figma bootcamp.
In addition to technical skills, you'll learn soft skills in a Figma bootcamp. Empathy is one important soft skill for designers working with Figma, since a central part of making good designs is understanding the motivations and perspectives of users. You'll learn how to discover user needs, and how to meet them. Other soft skills that you may develop in a Figma course are communication and time management, which are important for success with Figma and in many other types of jobs.
Students who want to learn Figma will find a variety of training options. There are in-person classes, which have been around for a long time and remain a popular way to learn a new skill. In-person learning runs in a dedicated classroom space and there is a live instructor and a group of students. The instructor leads the class in real-time and students have the opportunity to ask questions, get instructor feedback, and interact with one another.
Live online—or virtual—learning is another Figma training option. This format runs entirely online and a computer and internet connection are required. Students attend through Zoom or a similar forum, and as with in-person learning, they are required to attend at a specific time. This format usually allows students to interact with one another and their instructor.
Another learning option is an on-demand class, which is asynchronous, meaning that there is no live instructor. When you take an on-demand class, you'll get access to a pre-recorded collection of learning material and you can progress through it at your own pace. In some cases, on-demand classes include opportunities to interact with a class group.
You can also learn Figma by signing up for a self-paced class. Like on-demand classes, self-paced classes do not have a live instructor. Instead, students gain access to a pre-recorded set of material that they can work through at their own pace. However, self-paced classes often have more instructor support. For instance, you're likely to receive regular advice and feedback on your work. Many self-paced classes also include discussion forums or other ways to interact with classmates.
The right training method varies from person to person. To choose what is best for you, it's a good idea to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each format. An advantage of in-person learning is that it takes place face-to-face, which can be more engaging and can be an easier way to grasp new concepts. It can also be easier to interact with fellow classmates in a face-to-face setting, which can enhance the learning experience and lead to networking opportunities. However, in-person learning requires that you commute to the classroom, which can be expensive and inconvenient depending on where you live. The fact that you have to be physically present in class may also limit your learning options.
A learning option that doesn't require a commute is live online learning. This format allows you to attend from any location that you want; in many cases, people choose the comfort of home. Because you don't have to commute, you're likely to have access to more class options, and classes may contain a more diverse group of students, which can enhance your learning experience and offer expanded networking opportunities. A downside to this format is that you'll need to provide your own equipment and software. Additionally, while you'll have more flexibility than with in-person learning, you'll still need to attend class at a specific time.
If flexibility is important, an on-demand or self-paced class may be a better option. Because these formats are not live, you have the freedom to set your own learning schedule, stopping and starting whenever you need to. You even have the option to fast-forward or rewind class material. Because there is no live instructor, these types of classes tend to be cheaper. One of the biggest downsides is the lack of live instruction. On-demand courses typically have the least interaction with your instructor or other students. Self-paced courses often have more support and interaction. Another potential downside is that, depending on where you choose to learn from, you may face more distractions. In addition, since you have so much control over your learning, you'll also need to have a higher level of discipline and motivation to make sure that you get your work done.
Bootcamps are one popular way to gain Figma skills. Compared to a college degree program, a bootcamp is likely to be significantly cheaper and faster. For example, a bachelor's degree is a four-year college program, and will typically cost tens of thousands of dollars. The cost of a bootcamp can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000, but this is usually a lot less expensive than college. Bootcamps also tend to place more focus on gaining practical experience using Figma, which can be beneficial when it comes to looking for a job.
Another alternative to a bootcamp is to take a shorter class. Shorter classes are generally less expensive than bootcamps and take less time to complete, however, they also cover less. They can be a great option if you want to become familiar with Figma and learn the basics, however, they may not be comprehensive enough to prepare you to use this application professionally. Certificate programs are also an alternative to bootcamps and tend to be longer and more expensive. This is because they cover more material. Like bootcamps, certificate programs are a good option for students who are preparing to use Figma and related skills in a professional role. Like bootcamps, many certificate programs also include career assistance.
A bootcamp is likely to be most beneficial for students who want to gain skills that will help them get a new job or advance within their current role. Most bootcamps run in an accelerated format, helping students gain a wide range of new skills and practical experience, in a relatively short amount of time. They often include a variety of career support such as mentoring, help with your resume and portfolio, and advice about applying for jobs and interviewing. A number of studies show that people who attend bootcamps are likely to find a job more easily and earn more money after completing the bootcamp.
Compared to some other software applications, most people find that Figma is relatively easy to learn. Many say that it has a fairly intuitive and user-friendly interface. If you don't have any experience with design, however, you may find it more challenging. Ultimately though, with time and practice, you should be able to master this application even if you start without any related experience. Enrolling in a live class can make the learning process easier since you'll receive guidance and feedback from an expert.
Figma allows users to collaborate in real-time in a shared online space, and while this is one of its strengths, many users say that this aspect of it can also take some getting used to. In an article on the Figma blog titled “The three Cs of Figma: A beginner’s guide to success, ” an experienced Figma Designer explains that she started out nervous about the collaborative aspect of this application, but says, “To my surprise, being able to riff on my coworkers’ designs and ideate in real-time has become my favorite part of working in Figma.” She maintains that as a new user, one of your goals should be to, “Become an efficient and collaborative teammate.”
The length of time it takes to learn Figma varies from person to person. Most people find that they can learn some basic skills within days or weeks, and master the fundamentals in a matter of months. If you're planning to use Figma in a professional role, the learning process is likely to take longer; up to a year or more. If you want to learn more quickly, it can be helpful to spend a lot of time practicing your skills. Enrolling in a formal class can also help speed up the learning process.
According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Atlanta is a world-class hub for tech. It finds that there was a 15 percent growth in technology jobs in 2021, and that 146 businesses expanded in the region that year. According to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau website, “Powered by the strength of more than 17,000 technology companies, Atlanta’s tech sectors, from cybersecurity, FinTech, digital media, software and more, have turned the city into an epicenter of innovation.” Additionally, it reports that the city is ranked number one for diversity in the tech workforce.
Georgia Power finds that the digital media and entertainment industry is growing rapidly in Atlanta. It says, “From gaming and animation to software development and film, Georgia's Digital Media and Entertainment industry sector is gaining momentum and establishing Atlanta as a hotbed for creativity.” Overall, it reports that there are more than 1,800 digital media companies in Georgia, and most of them are located in Atlanta.
Figma is often used in jobs that involve interactive design. It is often associated with the job of a User Experience (UX) Designer, which involves making digital products more usable and enjoyable. According to Indeed, an Atlanta UX Designer earns about $112,000 yearly. Web Designers also use Figma as a tool for the layout and design of websites. The average yearly salary for a Web Designer is $96,000, according to Indeed. Digital Designers create a variety of different types of digital designs, and may also use Figma. Indeed reports that a Digital Designer earns approximately $125,000 yearly.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) is a federal agency that collects and analyzes information about the labor market. It predicts that over the next ten years, Web Developers and Digital Designers will see job growth of about 8 percent. This is double the average job growth rate of 4 percent. The BLS explains that the popularity of ecommerce is one factor driving this growth. It says, “Employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow as ecommerce continues to expand. As retail firms keep increasing their online offerings, demand for these workers is expected to grow.” In addition, says the BLS, the growing use of mobile devices is another factor driving growth because designers are needed to create websites and interfaces that work on a variety of different screen sizes.
Noble Desktop is a coding and design school based in New York City. It offers in-person classes in its Manhattan facility and live online classes that you can take from any location. It runs a multi-day Figma Bootcamp. In this course, you'll learn a variety of Figma skills including optimizing designs for mobile, tablet, and desktop screens, extracting image assets, designing on grids, and sharing designs with clients. You'll also learn to create animations and build interactive prototypes. In addition, the class covers components, and working with team libraries. At the end of the class, you'll receive a certificate of completion. In addition, like all Noble classes, it comes with the option of a free retake within one year.
Another Noble option is the Figma Masterclass. This class is a combination of the school’s bootcamp and advanced class. You'll learn to create UI and UX designs for websites and apps, designing layouts that are optimized for various devices. In addition, you'll learn to build interactive prototypes, make animations, use components, work with team libraries, and use conditionals. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department.
Noble also offers a comprehensive UX and UI Design Certificate, which is a multi-week class that covers the skills you'll need to work as a UX Designer. It covers UX and UI design fundamentals and best practices. You'll learn how to design a variety of digital products, and also learn how to conduct user research and analyze the results of your research. You'll also learn to use Figma for design and prototyping, and for creating clickable prototypes. As part of the class, you'll work on a portfolio. You'll also get six one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Digital design training school, Lumenbrite also offers a live online figma bootcamp. The Figma Training: Bootcamp has three sessions and is focused on the basics of creating and prototyping mockups. Students learn to use rulers, create custom shapes, apply effects, use fills and strokes, and view, lock, and unlock layers. In addition, they learn about inserting and editing text, and cropping and masking. The course also covers Figma prototyping tools, and saving and exporting prototypes.
The Digital Workshop Center offers a live online UX Design Certificate, which is a multi-week program. This is a project-based class, and students learn in a hands-on format. Students who take this course learn UX design vocabulary, and design tools, including Figma. They will also learn to create the elements for a UI design system, create prototypes, create a style guide, and test their designs. A basic design course is recommended, but not required. Prior to class, students need to install Adobe Photoshop, Adobe XD, and Adobe Bridge.
General Assembly was founded in 2011 and operates campuses in more than 30 locations around the world. It runs a UX Design Bootcamp, which is intended for students who want to work in UX design. It takes multiple weeks to complete. Students learn about wireframing, prototyping, user research, usability testing, visual design, and user interface design. They also get career support, including resume review and interview prep.
You can also learn UX design through the Flatiron School, which offers a multi-week UX/UI Design bootcamp. Students start with a prep course, where they gain an understanding of UX and UI tools and processes such as Figma and Webflow. After that, instructors cover UX skills, including developing personas and user journeys, using natural language processing, drafting surveys, and researching competitors. The class also covers UI skills, including deliverables, best practices, co-creating with AI, and standard tools. The final two units are focused on using generative AI for developing content for projects and for whiteboard challenges. At the end of the course, students create and launch an online portfolio.
In some cases, it can be beneficial to train a group of employees in Figma. Noble Desktop offers a variety of corporate and on-site Figma training programs, with flexible scheduling options and instructors who have real-world Figma experience. Training can be conducted on-site at your office, or virtually via Zoom or a similar platform. All students will also receive comprehensive post-training support materials such as handouts and access to premium training videos.
If you want to provide your employees with more scheduling flexibility, another option is to purchase vouchers for Noble Desktop’s regular group classes and let them enroll individually. A discount is offered with bulk purchases. Email Noble Desktop for more information about corporate Figma training options or to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Upskill or reskill your workforce with our industry-leading corporate and onsite Figma training programs. Conduct the training onsite at your location or live online from anywhere. You can also purchase vouchers for our public enrollment Figma courses.
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