Learn More About Figma Classes in Toronto
Figma is a cloud-based design tool used to create accessible, shareable design projects that can be collaborated on in real-time. Figma launched in 2016, drastically impacting the design industry with its web-first system that allows designers to collaborate from anywhere in the world. The tool is also platform-agnostic, meaning both Mac and Windows users can access Figma’s full capabilities and collaborate on projects seamlessly. Figma is also popular for its intuitive user interface, allowing Web, UI, and UX designers, product teams, and developers to quickly navigate the tool. Figma also offers a free version, allowing both professionals and hobbyists to try the tool and access basic features at no financial risk. Professionals use Figma for a variety of tasks, including wireframing, prototyping, app and website mockups, and more.
What Can You Do with Figma?
Figma offers a wide range of uses for both creative and professional projects. At its core, Figma is used for UI/UX design, enabling designers to create interactive prototypes, wireframes, and high-fidelity interfaces for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. Its vector-based interface allows for precise design work, while features like auto-layout help ensure consistency across different screen sizes and devices. Figma’s real-time collaboration capability is one of its most popular features, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This makes it an ideal tool for team-based projects and remote work environments.
Beyond professional UI/UX design, Figma is also used to create graphics, social media templates, and branding elements like logos and color schemes. Its collaborative nature extends to these areas, enabling designers, marketers, and other creators to work together seamlessly. Hobbyists and educators also find Figma useful for personal projects or teaching design principles, thanks to its accessible interface and the availability of educational resources.
Why Learn Figma?
Learning Figma can significantly enhance your design skills and open a wide range of career opportunities, particularly in UI/UX design, web design, and product development. Its collaborative features and cloud-based platform make it an essential tool for modern design teams, facilitating remote work and real-time feedback. Mastering Figma not only makes existing design work more efficient and accessible but also equips you with a highly sought-after skill in the tech industry, as the tool has quickly become the standard for UX/UI design. Furthermore, the practical applications of Figma extend beyond professional use. Its intuitive interface and versatility make it a valuable tool for personal projects, from creating custom graphics to prototyping ideas for apps and websites.
What Will You Learn in a Figma Class?
In a Figma class, you can expect to learn a comprehensive set of skills tailored to digital design and collaboration. Initially, the course will likely introduce you to the basics of the Figma interface, including navigating the app, using tools for creating shapes and text, and understanding the layers and frame system. You'll learn how to use vector networks and pen tools to craft detailed designs, as well as how to apply and manage colors, gradients, and effects to bring your designs to life.
As a course progresses, you'll delve into more advanced features such as creating and using components and variants, which are crucial for building reusable design elements and maintaining consistency across projects. You'll also explore the powerful auto-layout and constraints features, enabling you to create responsive designs that adapt to various screen sizes and devices. Most curricula cover the intricacies of prototyping within Figma, teaching you how to link frames and create interactive prototypes that simulate user flows and interactions.
Beyond technical skills, a Figma class will also emphasize collaboration and design workflows. You'll learn how to use Figma’s collaborative features such as real-time co-editing, commenting, and version history, which facilitate teamwork and streamline the feedback process. The course might also touch on integrating Figma with other tools and services such as Slack for communication or Zeplin for handoff to development teams, rounding out your ability to use Figma in a professional workflow. Many classes will also go beyond simply teaching Figma by educating students on design principles and best practices, helping to prepare them for careers in graphic, UX, UI, or web design.
Industries
Technology
According to Toronto Global, the Toronto area is home to more than 285,000 tech professionals, making it the third-largest tech hub in North America after New York City and San Francisco. Major technology sector companies with offices or headquarters in Toronto include Microsoft, Pinterest, Shopify, Google, and Amazon.
In Toronto's technology sector, Figma is predominantly used for UI/UX design projects, serving as a central tool in the development of user-friendly interfaces for web and mobile applications. Technology companies, which range from small startups to established tech giants, embrace Figma for its collaborative capabilities, allowing UX Designers, Web Developers, and Product Managers to work together in real-time, regardless of their physical locations. This seamless collaboration is particularly valuable in Toronto’s fast-paced tech environment, where agile development methodologies are common and rapid prototyping is essential.
Figma projects in Toronto’s tech industry include the design and testing of application interfaces, the creation of digital products, and the development of interactive prototypes that help in user testing. Figma enables teams to simulate user interactions and flow. Additionally, the platform’s ability to integrate with other tools such as Slack for communication and GitHub for development, streamlines workflows and enhances productivity.
Financial Services
Toronto’s financial sector is experiencing incredible, rapid growth–so rapid that the city’s financial sector experienced the fifth-fastest growth rate in the world. Toronto also contains offices for each of Canada’s “Big Five Banks”, which are The Bank of Nova Scotia, The Bank of Montreal, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Royal Bank, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
In Toronto's financial services industry, Figma is used to design and refine user interfaces for online banking systems, mobile finance applications, and FinTech platforms. The emphasis in these projects is on creating secure, intuitive, and engaging user experiences that simplify complex financial transactions and information for users. Figma's collaborative features enable designers, developers, and financial experts to work closely together, ensuring that the end products not only meet the high standards of UX design but also comply with the stringent security and regulatory requirements inherent to the financial industry.
Projects in this sector often involve redesigning legacy systems to improve accessibility and user engagement, creating new FinTech services for innovative financial solutions, and continuously enhancing mobile banking apps with features like budget tracking, personalized financial insights, and transaction capabilities. Figma allows teams to rapidly prototype and test these designs, allowing them to iterate quickly based on user feedback and regulatory considerations. This iterative process is crucial in developing financial services products that are both user-centric and compliant with industry standards.
Marketing & Advertising
Figma has gained significant traction in Toronto’s marketing and advertising industry, largely due to its collaborative features and versatile design capabilities. Figma’s marketing and advertising uses range from the design of digital advertisements, social media content, and interactive web designs to the creation of user interfaces for apps and websites. The tool’s real-time collaboration feature allows multiple team members to work on a project simultaneously, making it a valuable asset for fast-paced agency environments and in-house marketing teams looking to streamline their workflow.
Figma also features an extensive library of templates and plugins tailored for marketing purposes, enabling marketing professionals to quickly adapt to shifting conditions and consumer preferences. This adaptability is crucial in Toronto’s marketing landscape, where companies are constantly competing for consumer attention across digital platforms. Projects such as branding and rebranding campaigns, marketing collateral (like brochures and email templates), and presentation designs are common uses of Figma in this sector. The platform’s ability to integrate with other tools commonly used in marketing and advertising such as Slack for communication and Asana for project management, further solidifies its place as a go-to tool for creative projects in Toronto’s marketing and advertising industry.
Education
In Toronto’s education sector, Figma has become a versatile tool, finding its place in various educational projects and initiatives. Educators and institutions are increasingly incorporating Figma into their curriculum and administrative workflows, leveraging its collaborative features and user-friendly interface to enhance both teaching and learning experiences. One common use of Figma in education is for the design and development of digital learning materials such as interactive presentations, educational infographics, and online course content. Its real-time collaboration capabilities enable educators and Instructional Designers to work together regardless of their physical location, fostering a more dynamic and interactive approach to curriculum development.
Furthermore, Figma is also utilized in educational projects that involve students directly such as group assignments, design projects, and UX/UI courses. It serves as a practical tool for teaching design principles and digital literacy, equipping students with valuable skills that are increasingly relevant in today’s digital world. In design-related courses, for example, students use Figma to create prototypes, conduct user testing, and develop final project presentations, gaining hands-on experience with the same tools used by professionals in the field. This not only enhances their learning experience but also prepares them for future careers in design, technology, and related areas.
Jobs
In Toronto’s vibrant tech and design landscape, Figma has become a staple tool across various job roles, reflecting the city’s dynamic and evolving digital economy. Positions frequently using Figma include UX Designers, Graphic Designers, and Digital Product Managers. UX Designers in Toronto leverage Figma to create intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces, focusing on enhancing user experience across digital platforms. Graphic Designers utilize Figma to create a wide range of visual content, including web graphics, branding materials, and interactive media. Digital Product Managers often have proficiency in Figma to effectively collaborate with design teams, provide feedback, and guide the product development process.
The salary range for these positions in Toronto varies depending on experience, industry, and the specific demands of the role. According to Glassdoor, UX Designers in Toronto make between CAD 65,000 and CAD 106,000, with the median salary being CAD 83,000. Salaries for Graphic Designers in Toronto range from approximately CAD 63,000 to CAD 91,000, according to Robert Half. The average base salary for Product Managers in Toronto is around CAD 107,000 per year, according to Indeed. Depending on the career path that most interests you, it’s always beneficial to check the latest research regarding average salaries in Toronto. While researching, you’ll also want to keep in mind the cost of living in the city and how salaries may vary depending on experience, industry, and other factors.
Best Figma Classes in Toronto
Students in Toronto looking to learn Figma in a local classroom can enroll in The Knowledge Academy’s Figma Training Course. This class consists of eight modules that guide students from foundational Figma essentials to more advanced uses. By the end of the class, students will know how to use Figma to collaborate with teammates in real-time, enhance designs, and create responsive, interactive prototypes.
Toronto residents looking to learn Figma can also explore a variety of instructor-led, live online classes that take you from the basics to advanced techniques. Live online instruction allows you to learn from Figma experts in real-time, have questions answered as they arise, and get personalized guidance on hands-on activities that get you working in Figma right away. Live online courses also allow you the flexibility to learn from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection, and because you can enroll in classes regardless of where the class is based, you have maximum flexibility in finding a course that fits your budget and goals.
Noble Desktop, a design and coding school based in New York City, offers live online classes that students in Toronto can participate in. If you’re new to Figma, the Figma Bootcamp helps you quickly grasp the many uses of this innovative software. In this class, students learn to design apps and websites, create responsive designs for various devices, use Figma’s grids, image assets, and collaboration tools, build prototypes, use smart animate, and work with team libraries.
If you’re already familiar with the basics of Figma and want to build upon your existing knowledge, you can enroll in Noble Desktop’s Figma Advanced course. In this class, students gain hands-on experience adding advanced functionality to prototypes, using variables to create design systems, and more.
Students interested in both the Figma Bootcamp and Figma Advanced class can enroll in Noble’s Figma Masterclass, which consists of both courses at a discounted rate. The class includes one free retake of each class within one year, allowing students to solidify the knowledge and skills that they gain. Free setup assistance is also included in case you need any help in ensuring you have everything you need to follow this course live online.
Those interested in focusing on Figma for web design can take City Lit’sUI Design for Websites Using Figma class. This Figma course offers a blend of branding, UI design principles, and hands-on Figma training, showing how to create engaging, responsive websites. Key topics include wireframing, prototyping, responsive design, and essential graphic design concepts like typography and layout, with a focus on practical Figma skills for independent use. Participants will need a stable internet setup and a camera-equipped computer. Work outside of class is expected to enhance learning and project outcomes.
Those interested in continually improving their Figma skills can keep an eye on Figma’s free courses such as the Introduction to Design Systems course. This on-demand course helps students to understand design systems and then define, build, and manage their own. Figma offers on-demand classes in a variety of subjects to help users further not only their Figma skills, but overall design capabilities. Their website regularly updates with new content, allowing you to continuously sharpen your Figma skills.
What to Learn Alongside Figma?
UX Design Principles
UX design principles are the foundational concepts and practices aimed at creating products that provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users. This skill involves understanding users' needs, values, abilities, and limitations, and applying this knowledge to design products that are not only functional and usable, but also enjoyable and accessible. Pairing UX design principles with Figma greatly enhances the design process by teaching you how to apply these principles in a collaborative and iterative environment. Figma’s versatile features support the implementation of UX strategies such as user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing within a single platform. By integrating UX design principles with Figma’s capabilities, designers can more effectively translate user research and insights into tangible designs, improve collaboration among team members, and streamline the feedback loop. This ultimately leads to the creation of user-centered designs that align closely with users' needs and expectations.
Prototyping and Interactive Design
Prototyping and interactive design focus on creating simulated versions of digital products to test and refine user interfaces and interactions before development. This involves crafting interactive models that replicate the behavior of a product, allowing designers to explore and validate concepts, user flows, and interaction patterns. Understanding prototyping and interactive design principles enables you to create user experiences within Figma and collaborate with teammates in the process. Figma’s interactive components and auto-animate features make it possible to create high-fidelity prototypes that closely represent the final product, all without the need to code. By pairing prototyping and interactive design skills with Figma, designers can significantly improve the usability and effectiveness of their designs, ensuring a more engaging and intuitive user experience. This approach not only streamlines the design and development process, but also promotes better communication and collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and users during the testing and validation phases.
Collaboration and Project Management Tools
Effectively using collaboration and project management tools involves the ability to coordinate, track, and manage the various aspects of a project to ensure timely and efficient completion. These tools facilitate clear communication, task assignment, deadline management, and progress tracking among team members. When paired with Figma, this skill amplifies the design process's efficiency and effectiveness. Figma’s collaborative nature allows multiple users to work on the same project in real-time, with features like commenting, version history, and live sharing. Integrating project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or JIRA with Figma can streamline workflows, ensuring that design tasks are seamlessly integrated into the broader project timeline. This combination allows for a cohesive work environment where updates and changes in design are immediately reflected in the project management timeline, creating a more synchronized and transparent approach to project execution. The benefit of pairing these skills with Figma lies in the enhanced ability to keep design work aligned with project goals, timelines, and team contributions, ultimately leading to more organized, efficient, and successful project outcomes.
Figma Certificates and Certification
Figma certifications are formal recognitions provided to individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in using Figma. These certifications typically involve completing specific courses or passing examinations that assess a user's ability to effectively utilize Figma's features, from basic design principles to advanced functionalities like prototyping and collaboration. Obtaining a Figma certification can validate a professional's skills to employers and clients, enhancing their credibility and career opportunities in the design and tech industries.
What is the Difference Between Certificates and Certifications?
Figma certificates and certifications denote different levels of recognition in the design community. A Figma certificate is typically awarded upon the completion of a course or training session, signifying that the individual has attended and completed the specified educational content related to Figma's tools and features. It is essentially a document of participation and completion, without necessarily implying a rigorous assessment of skills. On the other hand, a Figma certification goes a step further by not only requiring the completion of training but also passing a comprehensive exam or assessment. This certification is a formal endorsement of the individual's proficiency and capability to effectively use Figma at a professional level, often involving a deeper understanding of the tool, including advanced functionalities, best practices, and the application of design principles within Figma. Thus, while both certificates and certifications hold value, certifications typically carry more weight as they imply a verified level of expertise and skill.
Why Become Certified in Figma?
Becoming certified in Figma benefits students and professionals looking to establish or advance their careers in design, technology, and related fields. A Figma certification serves as a tangible validation of one's skills and knowledge of the platform, which is highly regarded in industries that prioritize design and user experience. This certification can significantly enhance a resume, setting individuals apart from other applicants by demonstrating a verified proficiency in a tool that's pivotal for modern digital design projects.
For students, this certification can be a critical stepping stone, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional requirements. It not only signals to potential employers that the individual is well-versed in the latest design tools and methodologies, but also shows a commitment to gaining industry-relevant skills as part of professional development. In roles that demand collaboration and efficiency such as UI/UX design, product development, and digital marketing, the collaborative and versatile nature of Figma, backed by a formal certification, ensures that individuals can hit the ground running, contribute effectively to team projects, and bring innovative ideas to life with a high degree of competency.
And because the process of obtaining a certification typically involves engaging with a community of learners and professionals, the pursuit of Figma certification offers networking opportunities and exposure to real-world projects and challenges. These experiences provide insights into industry standards, emerging trends, and best practices.
Will I Need to Be Certified in Figma to Find a Job?
While obtaining a Figma certification is not strictly necessary to find a job in design or tech-related fields, it can significantly enhance a candidate's job prospects. This certification testifies to an individual's proficiency and commitment to mastering a key tool widely used in the industry. It demonstrates to potential employers that the candidate is well-versed in contemporary design practices and is capable of contributing effectively to collaborative and fast-paced work environments. Therefore, while not a mandatory requirement, a Figma certification can be a valuable asset in making a candidate more attractive to employers and increasing their competitiveness in the job market.
Certificate Classes in Toronto
Toronto students looking for an in-person Figma certificate class may considerBrainStation’s UX Design Course. Figma serves as a point of focus in three out of four units in this course, emphasizing the tool’s importance for aspiring UX Designers. Students not only learn how to use Figma, but come to understand and develop the crucial skills and abilities needed to craft exceptional user experiences. Key skills emphasized by this course include design thinking, user research, information architecture, interaction design, interactive prototyping, wireframing, visual design, interface design, and more. As part of the class, students will compile a professional portfolio which serves as tangible evidence of the skills and knowledge gained.
Advanced Figma users looking to become Figma certified can elevate their skills with the Advanced Figma course from Figma Academy. This course allows you to learn directly in Figma and aims to make students the Figma experts of their team or company. The curriculum emphasizes advanced skills and techniques and has been used by well-known companies like Stripe, Shopify, Google, and Salesforce.
If you want to become a UX, UI, or Web Designer, Noble Desktop’s UX & UI Design Certificate program not only teaches Figma, but helps students develop critical skills for these professions. The program covers UX and UI design fundamentals, conducting user testing and research, and designing webpages and apps that are intuitive and engaging. In the final portion of the program, students use Figma to bring their designs to life, showcasing the skills they’ve gained and preparing them to impress employers with their designs. Each class in the program is led by an expert instructor who can provide instant, personalized feedback to students, answer questions, and guide hands-on learning. The program also offers one-on-one mentorship, flexible payment plans, a free retake, and setup assistance.