Figma is a collaborative, browser-based interface design tool that helps users create accessible websites and collaborate with editors. Professionals in many fields such as Writers, Developers, and Project Managers, rely on this web-based tool for creating, testing, and sharing designs for digital products like websites and applications. It’s also used for user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, wireframing, and prototyping.
Some of Figma’s most essential features include its vector graphics capabilities, which allow users to create layouts that consist of digital shapes and designs that can be scaled without affecting quality. This feature allows designers to optimize layouts for use on different screen sizes such as desktop PCs or mobile devices. Team members who work with Figma can collaborate in real-time without having to download an application, which allows them to immediately see the changes team members make. Figma helps everyone involved in the design process make more informed decisions.
Figma was initially developed by Evan Wallace and Dylan Field in 2012. This product was released in 2016 and quickly became a popular tool in the field of web design. Because of Figma’s community-minded and collaborative approach, creative teams often work with this design software because of its supportive online community.
What Can You Do with Figma Training?
Before you learn Figma, you may wonder what you can do with this skill set. Figma training allows users to build and prototype web apps and user interfaces in real-time and collaborate with others as they do so. With the help of vector graphics tools, design teams create complex wireframe layouts for websites. Each layout can be resized to scale so that it works on screens of all sizes without affecting image quality. This software also has features for incorporating interactive elements on websites such as hovering or scrolling functionalities, which provides a modern look to web design. The working prototypes created in Figma are easy to test, which ensures designers receive quick feedback on their designs.
One of the best aspects of working with Figma is that it has a vast community of developers and designers who are always developing new templates, widgets, and plug-ins for public use. On Figma’s website and forums, users share designs, offer feedback on templates, and seek ways to make interactive interface elements more functional. On a daily basis, new Figma resources are created that help users modify or repurpose existing resources to better satisfy their design needs.
In addition to being one of the most popular tools available for UI design professionals, Figma also can help non-professionals with basic design-related tasks. This software helps everyday users quickly make sketches using basic shapes and text for website layouts or marketing materials. They can also add comments, suggestions, or other annotations directly on interfaces. Figma’s digital whiteboard provides the space needed to brainstorm ideas, offer feedback on designs, craft basic presentations, and organize visual content. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools don’t require in-depth design training to navigate or use; even those without prior design experience can perform basic Figma tasks like using pre-made templates to create basic social media posts or banners.
What Will I Learn in a Figma Class?
Each Figma class is unique in terms of the content it teaches, its level of difficulty, and the scope of instruction it provides. That said, most Figma classes teach students core skills such as how to work with basic shapes and text, apply UX and UI design elements, design interactive prototypes, and optimize this software’s real-time collaboration features. Keep reading to learn more about each of these essential Figma skills.
Basic Shapes and Text
One of the fundamental skills you’re likely to learn when attending a Figma class is how to create and work with basic shapes such as lines, rectangles, circles, polygons, and stars. These can be used to create borders, icons, graphic patterns, and badges. Instruction is also provided on using text tools, including layers, contents, and type properties. These help users create text in layers. These rudimentary skills are the foundation for creating interactive, engaging websites.
UX and UI Design
Figma is a popular tool that helps UX and UI Designers make mockups, wireframes, prototypes, and system designs for mobile apps and websites. This is why many programs cover UX and UI design concepts. Although there’s no need to be an expert in UX or UI design to use Figma, the more understanding you have of basic design principles, the more you’ll be able to leverage this tool and use it to create engaging designs. Figma classes often include training in concepts like information hierarchy, color theory, layout, usability testing, accessibility, and user flows.
Interactive Prototype Design
Figma classes generally teach participants how to use this software to create interactive prototypes for use on applications or websites. Instruction covers how to create flows that illustrate how average users will interact with the designs you create. Prototyping with Figma is a great way to see and anticipate how designs will be used before they’re developed. Users can even provide design feedback to ensure the design is meeting their expectations. These designs can then be shared with team members before they’re pitched to stakeholders.
Real-time Collaboration Features
Figma is considered one of the best tools for collaborative design available on the market. Multiple users can work simultaneously on design files when using Figma. They can add comments, control access levels depending on the team member, and work with real-time updates. This makes the process of giving and receiving feedback as efficient and streamlined as possible. Figma courses usually prepare participants to perform real-time editing or commenting tasks, work with version control, make annotations, and use the built-in chat feature. These tools promote productivity, improve communication, and ensure that all team members are on the same page with the design, regardless of their physical location.
How Hard is It to Learn Figma?
Before you commit to learning Figma, you may wonder how difficult it will be to do so. Like any skill, the challenges that correspond with learning Figma are subjective and depend on factors like your prior knowledge of UX design, how quickly you learn design software, how able you are to work, find, and utilize community-produced add-ons and resources, and your ultimate reasons for learning this tool. Regardless of your educational background or professional aspirations, there are a range of tools available that can make learning Figma much easier than it may at first seem.
Most Figma users will find the learning process fairly straightforward, particularly those who have experience with design concepts or other design software, including Adobe XD or Sketch. Its interface is considered to be more user-friendly than those of other design tools. The average student will be able to work with basic Figma features and tools such as adding text, creating shapes, and working with layout tools, in just a few days. Figma users should keep in mind that even though this tool is considered easy to learn, there is a learning curve for using its advanced features such as auto layout and prototyping. It takes much longer for most individuals to master Figma’s advanced capabilities and be able to use them in a professional setting. A good approach to learning this tool is to begin with simple designs before moving on to more complex creations.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Figma?
Those who are new to Figma encounter many of the same challenges as they would when working with any graphic design tool. Those without prior experience in user interface design are likely unfamiliar with the best practices for building layouts. Knowledge of why each interface is designed the specific way it is essential for making informed design decisions. For this reason, those who lack this training may wish to enroll in a UX design course to learn the current best UX design practices.
Another challenge Figma users encounter is learning to manage the vast amount of information and material that’s available on Figma. This tool has a huge community of online users who create add-ons and build templates. These are great resources for experienced Figma users interested in creating complex web designs. However, the sheer amount of information available can be overwhelming to Figma novices.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Figma?
The average learner can become familiar with Figma basics in as little as several days, if they devote focused practice to their efforts. Because Figma’s interface is considered very user-friendly, most find it fairly easy to navigate. With the support of this tool’s online community of Developers and Designers, learners can select from many excellent free resources that can help with the learning process. Once learning the basics, most students can gain a much more comprehensive understanding of the program with several weeks of training and practice.
There are several factors that affect the speed most individuals learn Figma. For example, if you have already worked with vector graphics tools like Adobe XD or Illustrator, you will find the Figma learning process much easier and faster. Similarly, if you come from a graphic design background, Figma may feel more natural for you to use. Those who have previously navigated online community forums to access useful information will also find that they can expedite their training as well. Learning Figma for personal use takes most individuals much less time than acquiring advanced-level training for professional purposes.
Should I Learn Figma in Person or Online?
Before you start studying Figma, you may wonder whether it’s better to opt for in-person or online training. Learners can select from in-person programs that meet at training facilities, live online classes that are taught in real-time, and self-paced programs that are on-demand. Each training format has its own benefits and drawbacks to consider.
In-Person FigmaTraining
In-person Figma coursework is an interactive way to study this web-based design tool. Those who opt for in-person training take classes at a training facility in or near Orlando. Each classroom has computers with Figma already installed and ready to use. In addition to the real-time support and individual guidance the instructor provides, learners also have the chance to study alongside other students in their cohort, which can add a sense of community while training. If you’re considering in-person Figma courses, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to have access to a car or another form of transportation to attend classes. In-person study may not be possible if you live far from Orlando or don’t have a way to commute to and from class.
Live Online Figma Training
Live online training is a popular alternative to in-person study. This type of training provides many of the same learning benefits and outcomes as in-person training. Students connect in real-time with an expert instructor using a live teleconferencing platform like Zoom. The instructor is there to share their knowledge and industry training with Figma. Students can ask questions at any point while training and receive immediate clarification and guidance. Those who need additional support can even share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for more help. Best of all, coursework can be completed remotely from any location that has internet. This means that students never have to waste time commuting in rush-hour traffic in Orlando or spend money on tolls, gas, and parking.
Since live online classes take place in real-time, those who are interested in this form of training must have schedules that allow them to attend classes that meet at regularly scheduled intervals, often multiple times a week. This type of training may not be feasible for learners who are employed full-time or have busy personal lives.
On-Demand Figma Training
On-demand Figma training is the most flexible way to learn this design software. Unlike live classes, which take place in real-time, on-demand coursework was recorded at an earlier time and placed online. It’s up to each student when they want to access the material, how long they want to spend on lessons each day, and the speed at which they complete their training. For example, some learners may wish to spend a full Saturday learning how to work with shapes and text in Figma. Others may prefer to space this study out over an entire week after work. Learners can pause, rewind, or rewatch lessons as needed to ensure they’re fully grasping the material. Those who are considering self-paced Figma classes should be aware that no instructor is present in this form of training. Each learner is on their own to find answers to questions and address areas of confusion that arise while studying.
Can I Learn Figma Free Online?
Studying Figma doesn’t have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Learners can find a range of free online resources that can assist with independent learning:
- YouTube is an excellent resource for finding free Figma tutorials for learners at all levels. Channels that focus on Figma offer learners high-quality video content on topics that range in difficulty from how to use basic tools all the way through advanced design techniques. Many videos provide step-by-step training, which can help learners break down the learning process into manageable steps. Because so much content is available on YouTube pertaining to Figma, learners can find videos that are in line with their interests and needs.
- Noble Desktop, a New York City-based educator, offers several free seminars for Figma learners. Its Intro to Figma and Intro to UI Design courses offer beginner-level training. Noble also has seminars that focus on how Figma differs from other web design platforms.
- Some educators offer free, on-demand Figma classes that allow students to study this tool at their own pace. Providers like LikedIn Learning, Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera are just a few that offer extensive course offerings on Figma. These programs usually combine video content with interactive exercises, written tutorials, and downloadable supplemental resources.
- Another way some learners study Figma is by reading blogs and articles. Noble Desktop provides students with well-researched articles on design theory and Figma. These include real-world examples, screenshots, and in-depth explanations of essential Figma features and tools. Reading blogs is also a way to stay abreast of the design industry’s current best practices and trends.
- Social media platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram offer extensive information on Figma and inspiration for designs. Figma’s official accounts is a great way to regularly receive tips, tutorials, and design showcases. Social media platforms also allow learners to remotely connect with and interact with others in the design community.
- Figma students can also work with webinars, seminars, and podcasts to learn this tool. Listening to podcasts on this topic is a great way to hear interviews with design experts who share their industry insights and tips. Online seminars and webinars are an interactive way to learn Figma. These provide students with a way to engage with professionals and ask questions in real-time.
Free resources such as those mentioned above can be a great supplement to coursework. They also can help learners self-teach basic Figma concepts and skills. However, if you’re learning Figma for work-related reasons, free resources generally won’t be sufficient alone to provide in-depth training on this software. Most learners benefit more from live, structured training to fully master Figma.
What Should I Learn Alongside Figma?
When learning Figma, there are several skills and tools you can consider studying alongside it to make you a more well-rounded Web Designer:
- UX and UI design principles will help Figma users perform a range of tasks, including wireframing and prototyping. This skill set also assists with creating accessibility guidelines, user personas, and user journeys. Knowledge of design patterns and best practices is also useful when studying Figma.
- Some learners opt to learn front-end web development tools as they study Figma. These include becoming familiar with how HTML is used to structure content, CSS helps with styling elements, and JavaScript adds website interactivity.
- Learning how to conduct user research is another useful skill-set for students of Figma. This includes knowledge of A/B testing, usability testing, and user interviews.
- Some Figma users may find it helpful to study advanced prototyping tools alongside Figma. These include InVision, Framer, and Adobe XD.
Industries That Use Figma
Any Orlando industry that requires training in interactive design relies on those with Figma skills to fill job openings. The following sections will briefly explore several key Orlando sectors, including graphic design, web design, aerospace, and nonprofits, and the role Figma skills play in each.
Graphic Design
Orlando’s graphic design industry provides residents with a range of job opportunities in fields like marketing, advertising, and media. Some of the city’s most prominent graphic design agencies include JK Creative and the Blair Creative Group. In 2023, nearly 14,000 Florida residents worked in this field, creating digital artistry, branding, specialized publications, and web design. Even though not all Graphic Designers work on apps or website design, some of these professionals create static elements like logos that are featured on websites. These can be created and shared using Figma and Adobe CC tools.
Web Design
Figma skills are also essential in another prominent Orlando industry: web design. There’s currently a high demand across the US for qualified Web Designers due to the ever-increasing number of people launching new websites. Some of the major employers in web design in Orlando are PixelChefs, WebFX, and Thrive. Web design services in Orlando include careers that focus on mobile app development, web design and development, and custom software development. Web Designers are tasked with designing the plan and vision for a website. They focus on visual elements like color scheme, layout, and typography to ensure visitors have a positive experience on the site. Figma plays an integral role in web design because it helps professionals design, test, and share websites. It also has applications for brainstorming and debugging-related web design tasks.
Aerospace
One of Orlando’s most significant industries is aerospace. This area has a high concentration of defense and aerospace companies, including some of the major players in Florida. The most prominent aerospace employers in this region include Boeing, Aerojet Rocketdyne, and Lockheed Martin. Figma training is useful in the aerospace industry because it can help design teams create all sorts of user interfaces for aircraft, including passenger entertainment systems, cockpits, onboard apps, and ground control systems. Figma is a useful tool for designing user-friendly, visually engaging interfaces, as well as collaborating in real-time with stakeholders like engineers.
Nonprofits
More than 14,000 nonprofits are located in the Orlando metro area. Those who work in this sector use tools like Figma to design websites for their organizations and add features such as success stories, event promotions, and calls to action. Figma even offers templates tailored especially to charities. Visual storytelling is an essential component of nonprofit fundraising. It requires a combination of engaging graphics, impact data, infographics, and information on goals.
Figma Job Titles and Salaries
Figma training is an essential skill in career paths like UX design, front-end web development, and web design. Read on to explore each of these career paths, as well as the basic job requirements and salary ranges for each role.
UX Designer
UX Designers are tasked with creating the elements of a web app, website, mobile app, or desktop software that provide users with a meaningful and useful experience. Their daily tasks include performing research and constantly working to improve how functional and user-friendly products are for users. UX Designers also conduct surveys and interviews, design end-user personas and avatars, perform usability tests, and collaborate with UI Designers. UX Designers who work in Orlando make approximately $98,000-$108,000 a year.
Front-end Web Developer
Front-end Web Developers write the code that powers a website’s visual appearance and user interface. In order to do so, they must remain cognizant of a range of design factors, including style and layout, so that visitors to the site can easily navigate. These professionals work with coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create website layouts, buttons, and forms, as well as other visual effects. The average pay rate in Orlando for a Front-end Web Developer is $93,000-$103,000 annually.
Web Designer
In Orlando, Web Designers draw from their experience with graphic design, UX design, design theory, and responsive design to craft websites that are aesthetically appealing and easy to navigate. These individuals often work in a team with professionals like Project Managers, Web Developers, UX Designers, or Software Engineers to create designs, make mockups, and perform competitor analysis. They also work to understand their target audience’s needs by studying their user behavior. Web Designers must be skilled with technical tools like Figma and other design programs, as well as programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Web Designers in Orlando can expect to earn a yearly salary of approximately $69,000-$74,000.
Figma Classes Near Me
If you want to search for Figma classes in Orlando, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find a learning opportunity that’s right for you.
Noble Desktop offers several courses on Figma. All classes are available in-person in New York City and live online and include a free course retake option for up to a year. The Figma Masterclass is available for those who want to explore UX and UI design concepts. This program teaches participants how to work with Figma to create interactive prototypes, share them with clients, and collect user feedback. This comprehensive program also covers skills like working with smart animate to add animations to designs and using styles, variables, and components to make flexible design systems.
Noble also offers a Figma Bootcamp for those interested in exploring how Figma can be used to build web designs. This program begins with instruction on Figma basics, including how to create and resize vector graphics, make designs that work on screens of all sizes, and export work for demonstrations or prototyping. Participants also become familiar with advanced design features like scrolling elements, hovers, and web assets.
Advanced-level Figma training is also available from Noble Desktop in its Figma Advanced. This short course is intended for those who already have a solid foundation in Figma and want to take their skills further. Coursework covers how to use this program’s collaborative features and advanced prototyping capabilities. Learners work with variables, conditionals, and sections to provide their prototypes with realistic functionality. They also explore how variables like light and dark modes are used to create design systems. As a prerequisite, students should attend Noble’s Figma Bootcamp or have a similar knowledge base.
Those who want to receive in-depth instruction on Figma can enroll in Noble’s UX and UI Design Certificate. This rigorous course covers essential UX and UI design principles, including usability design and user-centered design. Students work with Figma to create interactive prototypes for digital products, apps, and websites. They explore how to perform user testing and research, including how to conduct interviews and make user personas. Instruction is also provided on how AI can be used for visual design, prototyping, wireframing, and automating repetitive tasks. This program offers 1-on-1 mentoring as part of tuition.
City Lit offers Beginner-level Figma training in its UI Design for Websites Using Figma program. This class teaches students how to use Figma to design websites. Participants explore concepts like wireframing, styling, UI Design, layout, animation, branding, and typography.
Those new to working with Figma can explore the basics of this program in FLAG’s Prototyping with Figma class. This course covers Figma basic concepts, as well as how the program can be used to create prototypes.
Figma Corporate Training
If you’re an employer in Orlando who wants to provide training for their employees in Figma, let Noble Desktop help. Noble has a range of corporate and onsite Figma courses available for learners at all levels, including those with no prior web design training. Training options are available in topics like UX and UI design, web design, digital design, and Figma. Training can be provided onsite at your workplace in Orlando, at Noble’s headquarters in New York City, or live online using a real-time teleconferencing platform. You can opt to train some or all of your employees to work with Figma. Noble offers bulk enrollment vouchers at a discounted price for its regular enrollment courses. These are taught outside of business hours, which makes them a great option for employees who work full-time. You can also work with Noble to customize the Figma training for your employees to ensure their coursework is tailored to meet their needs and skill set.
If you want to learn more about the different corporate training options Noble has available in Figma, don’t hesitate to contact Noble today.