Figma web: the key tool for UX/UI design

Technology should simplify the user’s life, which is why, in the world of programming, it is essential to rely on UX/UI experts—respectively User Experience and User Interface—so that the graphical interfaces of applications and software are usable and functional. UI/UX design is a discipline that has gained increasing importance over the years, and one of its greatest assets is Figma.

What is Figma?

The first version of Figma was launched in 2015, and its growth has been so exponential that it was acquired by Adobe in 2022. It is a web-based graphic editing platform with a collaborative approach: this means that multiple users can interact within a single project.

More specifically, it is a web design tool that allows users to create graphical interfaces for applications and websites, both for desktop and mobile, without needing to know or write any code. It is a UI/UX design software that also works as a web-oriented graphic editor.

Features of Figma

Another strong point of Figma is that no software or plugins need to be installed; all designers can access the platform through a computer and a browser. In its basic version, Figma is free, but it also offers several paid plans that expand its capabilities.

The program is used not only by freelance UI/UX designers but also by companies that require this type of support. As a real-time tool, all saved data is stored in the cloud, avoiding local file versions or inconsistencies. Figma adapts to many stages of interface design planning, fostering creativity while maintaining UX/UI principles.

It is an extremely powerful and effective tool that all aspiring web developers and designers (as well as experienced professionals) should learn to use. Not surprisingly, advanced programs such as a Master’s in UX & Customer Experience dedicate significant time to teaching how to leverage the advantages of Figma.

What is Figma Web used for?

With Figma, it is possible to carry out all kinds of design work: from designing websites and application interfaces to creating social media posts or presentations. For this reason, it is increasingly valued by companies and design studios, as it proves effective not only in final design production but also—especially—in all early stages: brainstorming, evaluating design options, prototyping, and collecting and implementing feedback.

For example, within Figma, a design team can collaboratively build a website wireframe, which is the basic skeleton of a project without colors or styling, receive immediate feedback from other team members, or vote for the best option. They can also create an application interface prototype, simulating navigation and interaction in early development stages.

Through Figma, it is possible to interact step by step with the creation and evolution of a project. It offers great freedom and allows almost any graphical operation. Its main innovation is its collaborative nature, enabling multiple UX/UI designers and developers to work together in real time on the same project, involving all stakeholders. This improves efficiency and speeds up workflows.

How to use Figma

Figma can be used as a web application directly from a browser. It is accessible after registering for free on its official website and creating an account; alternatively, it can be downloaded for Windows or macOS. The interface is identical in both cases, and an account is always required. Once registered, users can create teams, projects, and files, and invite others to collaborate.

Professionals can upgrade to a paid Figma Professional subscription to access additional features such as in-app audio chat and advanced collaboration tools. There is also a mobile version, which is more limited and mainly used for viewing projects created on desktop.

Learning the interface is very simple. Pages are the working spaces where Frames can be created and projects developed. Component management is familiar to UX/UI designers and front-end developers, as it follows a CSS-inspired structure (Block Element Modifier). The workspace is a large canvas of up to 65,000 pixels where different screens can be placed.

Another interesting feature of Figma is its component libraries, which save time by providing pre-built elements. Users can also access community resources, including design systems, inspiration, and reusable graphical assets that ensure consistency across projects.

Finally, in Figma’s Prototype section, different screens or elements can be connected through nodes to simulate how a website or application works even in early stages. Once shared with the team, feedback can be added using comment notes to suggest improvements or highlight issues.

All work on the platform is saved in the cloud in real time, avoiding issues such as outdated files or inefficient document exchanges.