Figma Bootcamps Boston, MA

A collaborative product development platform, Figma is a cloud-based design tool that works on any operating system. Compatible with Macs, Windows PCs, Linux machines, and even Chromebooks, it is the only design tool of its type that does this, allowing everyone on your team to share, open, and edit Figma files.

Used by many notable brands and companies, Figma saves you time by allowing you to focus more on designing (as opposed to manually resizing and formatting) thanks to a fully responsive auto layout. You and your team members can standardize styles, components, and variables so your final project scales seamlessly across your products and brands. Because Figma is browser-based, you can see who is viewing and editing a file at the top of the app as circular avatars, much like in Google Docs, and can even see what other team members are viewing by clicking on their avatar to zoom in on their work.

Designed for collaboration, Figma is ideal for creative teams that desire real-time updates and full visibility of a project’s progression and is well suited for remote workers who thrive in a collaborative environment. In today’s digital-focused world, being an expert in Figma can help you secure your dream creative job, whether that’s in an office or remote from a location of your choosing.

What Can You Do with Figma Training?

An essential design tool for all things web and app, Figma can help you do many things. At its core, Figma allows you to craft an attractive user interface in a program that is visually focused and intended for interactive designs. Traditional programs assume in their functionality that you are designing a static image, while Figma provides tools and components that are tailor-made for interactive designs.

Where Figma really shines, though, is in collaboration. You can create a prototype for user testing so your team can review and decide what changes are needed. Then, when all team input has been accounted for, you can create a more fully developed version that will be user-ready. The goal of prototyping is to allow users to interact with a realistic version of the design, providing feedback.

Figma also has a large community of users who have created extensive libraries of assets that you can freely use in your designs. From buttons and icons to whole layouts, these assets can save you time since you won’t have to create these features from scratch yourself. Figma allows you to easily incorporate components from pre-existing libraries, and you can modify the appearance of these components to suit the needs of your design.

What Will I Learn in a Figma Bootcamp?

There are several basic skills you’ll learn in an entry-level Figma course. First and foremost, you’ll cover the basics of product design, what it is, and why it matters. You’ll then get familiar with the Figma interface, learn keyboard shortcuts and functions, and develop prototypes using the tools that Figma provides.

You’ll also master various soft skills like how to collaborate with others on creative projects, the best ways to provide feedback and edits, and how to communicate effectively and present your work with authority. Using Figma is a team effort, so it’s important that you can work well with others, listen to and incorporate perspectives, and know how to defend your work without offending others. In short, part of learning Figma is learning how to be a good team player.

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Figma?

There are four main ways to learn Figma: in-person, live online courses, on-demand classes, and free resources. Each one has been outlined below so that you can consider the pros and cons.

In-Person Classes

The most traditional route, in-person classes will meet on a set schedule at a physical location like a classroom, event space, or coworking space. These courses offer a more conventional learning environment as you’ll be able to collaborate with other students and interact with your instructor. Like online classes (which are discussed below), you can attend an in-person class on a full-time or part-time schedule, so you’ll want to choose the option that works best for your lifestyle and current commitments. The benefits of in-person classes are structure, accountability, and the ability to ask questions and receive feedback instantly. These classes are best for students who prefer a more traditional learning environment and benefit from the accountability of showing up to classes on time and prepared to learn.

Live Online Classes

Live virtual courses are considered the middle ground between on-demand and in-person classes. You’ll attend scheduled class times from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose) to learn from an expert instructor. Live online classes offer instant feedback from your teacher and interactions with other students, creating the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the coursework. These classes are ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment but perhaps don’t live near any in-person offerings. Or, if you simply prefer online learning, then a live virtual class could be for you.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes offer the most flexibility of any class option but don’t win any awards for speed. They do have quite a few benefits for busy professionals, though. Not only can you learn from wherever you want, you can also learn whenever you want. There are no due dates or scheduled class times, so you can take your time on challenging topics or skip over ones you’ve already mastered.

These classes are ideal for learners with complicated schedules who need to squeeze their studying in around their work and other obligations. You’ll need to be an independent and self-motivated student to succeed in an on-demand class.

Free Resources

While not the best method for full mastery, free resources can be a great way to dip your toes into the world of Figma. If you’re unsure about if Figma is for you, free resources can be a great way to explore the basic concepts and tools of Figma before you commit to a time-consuming and costly training course. Additionally, you can use free resources as a supplement to your training course. Stuck on a specific topic? Free resources found on YouTube, Reddit, or blogs may provide helpful insight from professionals who have been in your shoes before. It’s important to note that free resources lack the accountability of professional training courses, so you’ll need to be highly motivated and responsible if you choose to rely solely on free resources.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

It can be challenging to decide which learning method is right for you. It’s best to focus on your top priorities and preferred learning environment to guide your decision making.

Most learners reported that studying Figma through live coursework is the most interactive, engaging way to fully master this tool. Both in-person and live online training options afford the learner the power to ask questions in the moment and receive immediate guidance and support. You can ask yourself questions like “Do I learn best in-person?” or “Do I prefer instant feedback and collaboration with other students?”

If you find out that you don’t learn best in-person or that in-person classes don’t meet your preferences, the next question to ask is “What are my priorities for a learning environment?”

For some students, especially those who have busy schedules, flexibility is a top priority. In that case, an online class, whether it’s live, on-demand, or self-paced, is better suited for you.

Live classes can still provide instant feedback but if that isn’t a concern for you, you may be choosing between self-paced and on-demand. On-demand classes offer the most flexibility but with the least amount of accountability. Since no instructor is present for asynchronous coursework, it’s often a more cost-effective study method to live training (some classes are even available for free). Questions to ask yourself here are “How strong are my time management skills?” “Do I easily lose focus?” and “Can I hold myself accountable to complete the work in a timely fashion?”

Once you’ve answered all of the above questions, you should have a pretty good idea of what class style is best for you. Remember, each style has its own pros and cons; what matters is that you choose the format that will help you to succeed.

How Are Bootcamps Different from Other Kinds of Classes?

You may be wondering what sets bootcamps apart from other professional training courses. Firstly, bootcamps are considered one of the most immersive ways to learn any new skill. They are designed to give you adequate information and skills to start a new career or advance in your current job position by focusing on the most essential skills and tools.

The other obvious benefit of bootcamps is their length. Bootcamps are often relatively short in comparison to other learning methods, like college degrees or continuing education courses. A degree may take two to four years white a bootcamp can be completed in a matter of weeks or months. This means you can gain practical, realistic skills in a short timeframe and acquire the necessary experience that can easily take you from the classroom to the workplace in no time.

Overall, bootcamps equip you with the tools, skills, and learning environment you need to succeed. They also offer additional services like one-on-one mentoring, portfolio development, and resume and interview coaching. Many bootcamps are offered in-person or live online as well as full-time and part-time, so you can fit them easily into almost any schedule. For a skill like artificial intelligence, which is rapidly evolving, a bootcamp is an ideal option as it allows you to follow industry standards and learn the most recent information.

Who Will Benefit Most from a Figma Bootcamp?

Many folks could benefit from attending a Figma bootcamp, but there are specific groups of people who may find them especially useful. Firstly, busy professionals with jam-packed schedules may find part-time bootcamps to their liking as they can learn all the essential skills with no fluff in a short period of time. These folks can attend their classes in the evenings or on weekends so that they don’t have to take time off from work.

Conversely, full-time bootcamps can be particularly beneficial for those who are on a sabbatical from work or perhaps have recently graduated college and have yet to begin their careers. These can be completed even faster as you’ll be attending for full eight-hours days instead of just a few hours in the evening. Attending a bootcamp while in between roles can show potential employers that you remain committed to your growth and evolution as a professional.

Online bootcamps can be ideal for those individuals who need more flexibility. And in-person bootcamps can be better for those who rely on a little extra accountability to stay committed to their learning. As you can see, bootcamps can be well-suited for many individuals, including you.

How Hard is It to Learn Figma?

A relatively beginner-friendly program, Figma is easily accessible with straightforward tools and a limited free version with no time limit. You can play around and get familiar with all its basic features at no cost to you, making learning Figma attainable even for the budget-conscious. The free trial has limited functionality, controlling the number of files that free trial users can work on at once and the number of editors involved. Once the number of users grows large enough, subscriptions for teams, organizations, and schools are available. Ultimately, Figma is an easy-to-learn program, especially for those already familiar with aspects of web design, UX/UI design, or software development.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Figma?

While basic design elements are easy to learn, it can be difficult to master features like components, constraints, and prototyping, especially when creating highly interactive designs. Additionally, managing all the team features like version control, commenting, and design handoffs can be challenging, leading to potential miscommunication and confusion. And while this may seem obvious, building and utilizing a comprehensive design system within Figma requires a deep understanding of design principles and the ability to structure components in a reusable way.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Figma?

Thanks to its ease of use, learning the basics of Figma typically takes just a few days. The user-friendly interface provides the tools needed to start experimenting and the large community of designers and developers has nearly endless free resources to help ease you into learning Figma.

A more comprehensive understanding of the program may take a few weeks of focused study, assuming you’re working towards an intermediate level. Mastering advanced techniques like automation and developing a comprehensive understanding of Figma's capabilities can take substantially longer, usually around 100 hours of practice.

Industries That Use Figma

Figma is useful in any industry involving design and web development. The finance industry employs 42,000 Bostonians across companies like Fidelity Investments and State Street Corporation. With finance roles like investment analysts and fund managers leading the charge, Boston continuously attracts top-tier professionals. The city's proximity to universities ensures companies have access to an educated workforce ready to make an impact.

Boston is home to several major software companies like LogicMonitor, Dynatrace, and Blueconic. The city is also a research hub for Amazon, with offices in the city and nearby Cambridge and North Reading. As of 2023, Boston's tech companies employed 268,934 people, which is 9.4% of the city's total workforce.

Finally, Boston has the tenth-largest media market in the United States. The Boston Globe, Harvard Business Publishing, and Pearson all have influential and successful offices in the city. Each of these industries will use Figma to design user-friendly and engaging websites and apps to help them connect with their customers and solidify their brand identity.

Figma Job Titles and Salaries

User Experience (UX) Designers work primarily within the tech field but their expertise is needed in almost any modern industry. A UX Designer will take into account research and feedback on the user’s experience while they design a website or app, to make the most user-friendly and enjoyable interfaces possible. You would work with UX researchers, customer service, dev-ops, marketing, and sales to develop landing pages, navigation menus, app walkthroughs, and more. The average salary for a UX Designer usually lands around $95,000 in Boston.

Front-End Developers build the client-side of websites or web applications, update current websites to meet modern standards, create prototypes from wireframes, and use design comps to satisfy the needs of their employer or client. As a Front-end Developer, you’ll collaborate with Back-end Developers, Software Engineers, and UX and UI teams, often utilizing Figma to work together. You can expect to make up to $146,000 in Boston.

Web Designers work alongside positions like Front-End Developers and UX Designers and create the layout and assets for webpages and mobile applications. Using various software, including Figma, Web Designers craft the appearance and feel of both the visual and functional elements of a webpage before handing that design off to web developers who will bring it to life. The salary for this role in Boston typically hovers around $79,000.

These are just a few of the careers that use Figma to design, edit, track, and complete creative projects. Keep reading below to learn more about what you’ll learn in a Figma course and how to pick the best program for you.

Figma Bootcamps Near Me

Noble Desktop offers Figma Bootcamp, an online all-level course that covers beginner to advanced features for both UI and UX design. Hosted by an industry-expert instructor, you’ll learn to design complex and realistic prototypes with advanced functionality, add interactions such as hovers, apply animations to your designs using smart animate, and make specific areas within a screen scrollable. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to craft stunning user interfaces and experiences, create complex prototypes, and collaborate with others using Figma's cloud-based platform. This course can also be taken in-person at Noble Desktop’s New York office location.

Noble Desktop also offers Figma Advanced that can help you take your Figma skills up a notch. In this class, you’ll learn how to use sections, variables, variable modes, and conditionals to add more advanced (and realistic) functionality to your prototypes. You’ll also see how variables are used to create design systems, including light and dark modes. You’ll explore how to use variable collections to create primitive and semantic layers that assist in creating design systems that are easier to use and make changes to.

UX Design Institute offers a six-month online intensive course called Professional Diploma in UX Design. With just five hours of studying per week, you can become a certified UX Designer who can confidently use industry tools like Figma. You’ll learn analysis techniques, structure and navigation, design principles and patterns, craft common user workflows, and how to build interactive prototypes and annotate your designs. Figma is a standard tool in UX design, so you’ll get familiar with the fundamental functions and techniques of this cloud-based program as well.

General Assembly’s UX Design Bootcamp can help you launch a future-proof career designing digital experiences that power revenue, user loyalty, and product success. This course will help you distinguish yourself as a Designer by compiling a portfolio to showcase solo, group, and client projects to employers based on UI design and Agile methodologies. Topics include wireframing, prototyping, user research, usability testing, visual design, and user interface design. General Assembly offers their courses in-person in Boston but they can be done online as well.

Figma Corporate Training

Thanks to Noble Desktop’s extensive experience developing curricula, they can also provide corporate and on-site training in Figma. With corporate and on-site training, you can order vouchers in bulk at a discount and choose which courses are available to employees. Custom training curriculum, comprehensive support materials, instructors who are industry professionals, and flexible scheduling give you and your employees more control over their continued learning. You can discuss your training needs free of charge by contacting corporate@nobledesktop.com.