Prototypes in Figma

Prototypes are interactive versions of your designs that help you explore user flows and test how users interact with a design. They can be used to preview interactions, gather feedback, and refine ideas before development.

Reason to Use Figma for Prototypes

Figma allows designers to create interactive prototypes directly from their designs. It supports real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to review, test, and refine interactions together.

Way to Create a Prototype in Figma

Following are the ways of creating a Prototype in Figma.

1. Creating a Visibility Interaction

Step 1: Select a frame of your choice. Mobile screen preferred.

Step 2: Create a frame with a circle and a checkbox. The layout should look somewhat like this

Step 3: Create a replica of the same design by simple copying and pasting the frame side by side.

Step 4: Change the second frame's element. Change the colors of the rectangle, or the circle, such that during the functionality it will be clearly visible.

Step 5: Open the Prototypes tab which lies just beside the Design heading at the top right column.

Step 6: Click on the plus sign of frame 1 and connect it through the arrow of frame 2.

Step 7: To view the functionality now, open the presentation view and view the design. It will look like this:

2. Creating a Prototype for Color Change of a circle during trigger

Step 1: Select a frame of your choice. Mobile screen preferred.

Step 2: Create a circle and a checkbox in the frame that says the text to Hide the Circle.

Step 3: Replicate the frame and place it side by side by simply copying and pasting the frame.

Step 4: Now change the colors and elements of the second design. Since we are working on visibility now then we will remove the circle from the second frame and change the text to Show Circle. It will now look like this:

Step 5: Now open the Prototype bar.

Step 6: Now using the prototype options, select the plus sign of the first frame and join it to the second frame through an arrow. Set the options accordingly.

Step 7: Here's the final view in the presentation mode:

Properties

• Interactions: Define how elements respond to user actions, such as clicks, taps, drags, or hovering.
• Actions: Define what happens after an interaction, such as navigating to a frame, opening an overlay, or scrolling.
• Animations: Control how the prototype transitions between frames or states.
• Variables: Store values or states that can control properties such as text, visibility, colors, and dimensions.

Importance of Using Prototypes

• Test Interactions: Check how buttons, navigation, and other elements respond to user actions.
• Refine User Flows: Identify issues in screens and interactions before development.
• Gather Feedback: Help teams, clients, and stakeholders review the design and provide feedback.
• Improve the Design: Use testing and feedback to refine the design.
• Test Scenarios: Explore different user actions and interaction states.