What is Figma - how to use it | Top free resources to learn Figma | Design apps & websites UX UI

Summary

This video script introduces Figma as a crucial tool for UX design, emphasizing its cloud-based nature allowing for easy use on any laptop. It debunks myths about needing expensive hardware or prior design experience. The script outlines essential Figma features like constraints, components, and prototyping, and assures that learning these can be done in 50-60 hours. It encourages viewers to utilize Figma's YouTube channel, 'awesomefigtips.com', and 'figmalion.com' for free learning resources. The host also addresses concerns about job prospects, suggesting that while Figma is a start, a deeper understanding of UX design is necessary for a career.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Figma is a primary tool for building UI designs for apps and websites.
• 🌐 Figma is cloud-based, requiring no expensive hardware or software to run.
• 🎨 No prior experience in coding, sketching, or graphic design is needed to learn Figma.
• 📚 Essential Figma features to learn first include Constraints, Components, Variants, Auto Layout, Styles, Libraries, and Prototyping.
• 📺 Figma's YouTube channel offers free resources to learn the tool effectively.
• 🕒 It takes approximately 50-60 hours to grasp the basics of Figma.
• 🚀 Learning Figma is just the beginning; to become a UX designer, one must study the broader subject matter.
• 💼 Figma alone does not guarantee a job in UX design; it's a tool that aids in the process.
• 📚 The channel offers a free 15-episode course covering UX design from start to finish.
• 🔗 'awesomefigtips.com' and 'figmalion.com' are recommended resources for additional Figma tips and tutorials.

Q & A

What is Figma?

Figma is a cloud-based design tool primarily used for building user interfaces (UI) for apps and websites. It allows designers to create, prototype, and collaborate on designs before development begins.

Why is Figma important in UX Design?

Figma is essential in UX Design because it enables designers to create high-fidelity prototypes and designs that can be used to improve user experience. It streamlines the design process and allows for better collaboration among team members.

Is it possible to learn Figma for free from home?

Yes, it is possible to learn Figma for free from home. The script mentions that Figma has a YouTube channel with educational content and other resources like 'awesomefigtips.com' and 'figmalion.com' that can be used for self-learning.

What are the primary uses of Figma?

The primary use of Figma is to build UI designs for applications and websites. It is used for creating the entire design layout before the development phase begins.

Does a user need an expensive laptop to use Figma?

No, an expensive laptop is not necessary to use Figma. It is a cloud-based software that runs smoothly on almost every laptop.

Is prior knowledge in coding, sketching, or graphic design required to learn Figma?

No, prior knowledge in coding, sketching, or graphic design is not required to learn Figma. However, having an aesthetic sense is important for UI design.

What are the seven essential topics one should learn to get started with Figma?

The seven essential topics to learn are: 1. Constraints, 2. Components, 3. Variants, 4. Auto Layout, 5. Styles, 6. Libraries, and 7. Prototyping.

How long does it take to learn the basics of Figma?

It takes around 50-60 hours to learn the basics of Figma, specifically the seven essential topics mentioned in the script.

Can learning Figma alone guarantee a job as a UX designer?

No, learning Figma alone does not guarantee a job as a UX designer. Figma is a tool for creating UI designs, and to become a UX designer, one must also understand the broader subject of user experience design.

What are the top three resources recommended for learning Figma for free?

The top three resources recommended are: 1. Figma's YouTube channel, especially the playlists 'Explore Design Features', 'Figma Tips', and 'Office Hours'. 2. 'awesomefigtips.com' for quick tips. 3. 'figmalion.com' for a collection of resources from around the world.

What additional advice does the script provide for beginners in UX design?

The script advises beginners to invest time in learning from the right sources, watch the entire video for resource sharing, and to check out the 15-episode free course on the same channel for a comprehensive understanding of UX design.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to Figma for UX Design

The video introduces Figma as a tool primarily used for building UI designs for apps and websites before development begins. It clarifies that Figma is a cloud-based software, negating the need for expensive hardware. The video promises to share three resources to strengthen Figma skills. It addresses common questions about prerequisites for learning Figma, emphasizing that no prior experience in coding, sketching, or graphic design is necessary. The presenter lists seven essential topics to learn in Figma: Constraints, Components, Variants, Auto Layout, Styles, Libraries, and Prototyping. The video assures viewers that Figma is not as complicated as it seems and that learning from the right sources can make the process efficient.

05:03

📚 Learning Figma and Becoming a UX Designer

The script discusses the time investment required to learn Figma, estimating 50-60 hours to grasp the basics and prepare to create a first UI. The presenter shares three resources for learning Figma: Figma's YouTube channel with specific playlists 'Explore Design Features', 'Figma Tips', and 'Office Hours', a website 'awesomefigtips.com' for quick tips, and 'figmalion.com' as a search engine for Figma resources. The video also clarifies that learning Figma is just the beginning and that to become a UX designer, one must study further. It invites viewers to engage with the channel for more UX design content and offers a notion document with collected resources. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and enable notifications for future content.

Keywords

💡Figma

Figma is a collaborative interface design tool used for creating user interfaces, user experiences, and prototypes. It is a cloud-based tool that allows multiple users to work on the same project in real-time. In the video, Figma is highlighted as a primary tool for building UI in app and web design before development begins, emphasizing its importance in the UX design process.

💡UX Design

UX Design, short for User Experience Design, is the process of designing products with a focus on the user's experience and interaction. It's a broad subject that includes UI design as a part of it. The video discusses the distinction between UX and UI, and how Figma is used in the context of creating a positive user experience.

💡UI

UI stands for User Interface, which is a part of UX design that focuses on the visual elements and interactive aspects of a digital product. The video mentions that Figma's primary use is to build UI, which is the design of the app or website before any coding or development takes place.

💡Cloud-based

Cloud-based software refers to applications that are hosted on remote servers and accessed over the internet. Figma is described as a cloud-based tool in the video, which means it doesn't require high-end hardware to run smoothly, as the processing happens on the cloud.

💡Constraints

In Figma, constraints are used to define the boundaries within which elements can move or be resized. They are part of the '7 things' that beginners must learn to use Figma effectively, as they help in creating responsive and adaptable designs.

💡Components

Components in Figma are reusable pieces of design that can be applied across different parts of a project. They are one of the fundamental concepts that the video suggests beginners should learn, as they save time and ensure consistency in design.

💡Variants

Variants in Figma allow designers to create different versions of a component, which can be switched between easily. They are mentioned as part of the essential learning for new users, as they enable the creation of diverse design states within a single component.

💡Auto Layout

Auto Layout is a feature in Figma that automatically adjusts the layout of UI elements based on certain rules. It is listed as one of the seven key topics to learn, highlighting its importance in designing adaptive and responsive interfaces.

💡Styles

Styles in Figma are applied to text and shapes to maintain consistency across a design. They are part of the core functionalities that the video suggests should be learned, as they help in keeping the design cohesive and editable.

💡Libraries

Libraries in Figma are collections of components and styles that can be used across different projects. They are mentioned as an important feature for beginners to learn, as they facilitate reusability and efficiency in design work.

💡Prototyping

Prototyping in Figma involves creating interactive models of the UI to demonstrate how the final product will work. It is one of the seven topics that the video emphasizes for learning, as it helps in visualizing and testing the user experience.

💡YouTube Channel

The Figma YouTube channel is recommended as a resource for learning Figma in the video. It provides tutorials and tips that are useful for beginners, showcasing how official channels can be valuable for mastering a tool.

💡Office Hours playlist

The 'Office Hours playlist' on Figma's YouTube channel is highlighted as a comprehensive resource for practical learning. It contains in-depth videos that cover advanced topics, illustrating the depth of learning materials available for Figma.

Highlights

Figma is a tool used primarily for building UI in UX Design.

Figma is a cloud-based software, making it accessible on almost every laptop without the need for high-end specs.

No prior experience in coding, sketching, or graphic design is needed to learn Figma.

Figma's primary use is to create designs for apps and websites before development begins.

The presenter will share three resources to strengthen Figma skills by the end of the video.

There are seven essential Figma features every beginner should learn: Constraints, Components, Variants, Auto Layout, Styles, Libraries, and Prototyping.

Figma's YouTube channel is a free resource for learning the platform.

It takes approximately 50-60 hours to learn the basics of Figma.

Learning Figma is just the beginning; there are more chapters to complete to become a proficient UX designer.

The presenter offers a free 15-episode course covering UX design from start to finish.

A notion document is available with resources on how to learn, make a portfolio, and build designs from scratch.

Three top resources for learning Figma for free are Figma's YouTube channel, awesomefigtips.com, and figmalion.com.

The 'Explore Design Features' playlist on Figma's YouTube is highly recommended for beginners.

The 'Figma Tips' playlist offers short, powerful tips to save time.

The 'Office Hours' playlist is praised for its in-depth, practical lessons on Figma.

Awesomefigtips.com provides minute details and tips that save time in the long run.

Figmalion.com acts as a search engine for Figma resources, offering a wide range of learning materials.

The presenter encourages viewers to comment with questions for future video topics.

The video concludes with a reminder to subscribe and turn on notifications for new content.

Transcripts

What is Figma?

Why do we need it in UX Design ?

Can we learn Figma sitting at home for free ?

will know in this video

..MUSIC ..

We understood in the old video that

what is the difference between UX and UI ?

UX i.e User Experience is a very big Subject

and UI is a part of it.

There are many things you can do on Figma

but in the beginning the primary use of Figma is

to build UI !

So if you're building an app,

or building a website

so before Development

The entire design of that app and website is formed.

Which is made on Figma.

At the end of the video, I will share

3 such resources with you

By using which you can become very strong in Figma

So make sure you watch this video till the end !

So let's answer some common questions that come in the mind of every beginner

Do I need an expensive laptop for using Figma ?

Many people ask, Do we need to buy a MacBook?

Or need to buy a laptop that has lot of RAM or a specific Graphic card?

There is absolutely no need for these things

Figma is a free software that runs on the cloud

So Figma works very smoothly on almost every laptop

Do I Need Coding, Sketching, Graphic Design, Computer Science Degree,

Do I need to learn anything from this ?

Absolutely No !

If you have never done sketching in life

Never Painted

Never did Photoshop, Graphic Designing or anything...

You can still start learning this subject

This subject is completely different from everything

that has been done before

Yes Ofcourse

when you design a UI, it is important to have an aesthetic sense

which will come very easily with practice

Then comes the next question i.e.

There's a lot of stuff inside Figma too, so what should we learn first ?

See, there are 7 things that you absolutely have to learn, You cannot skip this

Now don't be afraid to hear their names,

Don't worry, we will cover everything

These are, 1. Constraints 2. Components 3. Variants

4. Auto Layout 5. Styles 6. Libraries and 7. Prototyping

You can learn everything very easily from Figma's youtube channel

Now going ahead, I will tell you a playlist

from where you can learn all these things for free

Trust me it is not as complicated as you think :)

Next question comes that how much time does it take to learn this Figma ?

Figma is actually a very creative software, So there is a lot that you can do

but in the beginning, I have told you those 7 topics

It will take you around 50-60 hrs to learn those 7 topics

right now,I am going to tell you resources

If you use those 3 resources properly

and if you invest 50-60 hrs on it and study it

you will very easily know the basics of Figma

and you will be prepared to make your first UI.

It is a very simple tool, you just have to invest enough time

and learn from the right sources

if you get the right resource and if you invest time in it

nothing can stop you

Then a question comes in the end that

will I get the job of UX designer only after learning Figma?

Absolutely not

on Figma you make UI only

and to be honest Figma is also a very deep subject

learning Figma is a different matter,

and in Figma creating Designs systems, building actual apps, scaling those apps.

Scaling up means you built for mobile first, built for ios,

built for android, built for the web

There is a lot of complexity in all these things

so by just learning Figma you cannot expect to get a Job

By learning Figma you have understood the tool

but still the subject is yet to be studied

So, learning Figma is chapter 1

after this chapter 1, there are various chapters that you have to complete

but you don't have to worry about it

because on this same channel, I have already uploaded a 15 episode free course

in Hindi and in English from Beginning to End

I have shared everything I knew, my all experiences,all valuable tips,all resources

So if you are interested in UX design so you can watch that course

I will put the link in the description

There is one notion document where I have collected and kept all the resources

So it would be very easy for you

to understand that what you have to learn

How to make a portfolio?

How to apply?

How to actually build your designs? From the very ground level?

So before we end

Here are top 3 resources to learn Figma on your own for free

First of all, I will mention Figma's YouTube channel

It is very obvious

But many people tend to overlook this or ignore it that,

if you want to learn Figma then there is no better resource than Figma YouTube channel

but within this channel there are 3 playlists that are very-very important

First playlist is called "Explore Design Features"

I will put all the links in the description Don't worry

I will mention all the 3 playlists below

Your second playlist is called "Figma Tips"

where there are 2-2 or 4-4 minute videos but they are very powerful

Means there are so much Interesting tips inside it, so many time saving tips

that it will save you hours in the long run

The third playlist is the longest but trust me

I have learned more from this playlist than I have learned from anywhere

and, I am not over estimating

Infact I feel that my words will fall short to complement this playlist

which is the "Office Hours playlist"

Every single video in this playlist is quite long

But I'm telling you the truth, if you want to learn to Figma

If you really want to practically learn, How to make components in the Figma

If you want to learn How to make Designs System

This playlist is absolutely the best resource out-there

Second resource is "awesomefigtips.com"

This website is extremley resourceful

because here, you will get very small-small minute details or tips

Which only takes 1-2 min to learn but they will save a lot of time in longer run

and Third resource is "figmalion.com"

Here, On the left side you will find all the important categories

By clicking on those categories, you will get all the imp resources on the right side

from where you can learn that topic

So basically on this one website you will get resources from all over the world

at one place.

Its almost like a search engine specifically for Figma resources

So if you search anything on this website

most probably you will find solution to your problem

Now, if you have any specific doubts as a beginner as a UX designer

Make sure to comment below

Because we will going to upload a lot of videos on this channel

and I want to make sure that we answer all your questions

If you like this video make sure you LIKE and SUBSCRIBE

and hit the bell icon !

I was watching on my youtube stats

that very few of you have actually clicked the bell icon

So make sure you clicked on that bell

you'll get the notification every time my video comes in

with that being said,I hope you are taking care of your mind and your body

keep designing awesome stuff

This is your friend Ansh Mehra

Signing Out

If you like this video don't foget to SUBSCRIBE

I make videos on UX design, Marketing and Storytelling on a regular basis