Boosting Productivity in Figma: 8 Tips for Better Figma Collaboration
With its cloud-based platform that allows for real-time collaboration and teamwork, Figma has revolutionised the way creative professionals collabourate on design projects. If you're a Figma enthusiast working in the creative industry, you'll know the importance of efficient collaboration. In this article, we'll explore some tips to make your teamwork in Figma not just functional but truly seamless.
1. Organise Your Files Effectively
The foundation of smooth collaboration in Figma lies in good organisation. Before you go too far into the design process, take the time to structure your files thoughtfully. If you use frames and pages to separate different sections of your project, you’ll make it easy for team members to navigate and understand the flow. Make sure also to come up with naming conventions you agree on and ensure that everyone on the team follows the same consistent naming structure for layers, frames and assets
2. Master Figma's Version History
When it comes to iterative design, no one likes the feeling of not being sure which version is the latest. Figma's version history feature provides that reassurance. Make it a habit to regularly check and document the changes made by your team. By doing so, if you ever need to roll back to a previous version, you can do so with confidence, avoiding the headache of lost work or misunderstandings.
3. Use Comments for Clear Communication
Communication is key and Figma's comment feature facilitates this effortlessly. Instead of juggling emails, Slack messages and other notes, keep everything within Figma itself. Comments can be attached to specific design elements, frames or even the canvas itself, providing context and clarity. By encouraging your team to be thorough in their comments, you’ll make it easier for everyone to understand the rationale behind design decisions.
4. Master Component Libraries for Consistency
Consistency is the backbone of good design and Figma's component libraries are designed to ensure just that. Create a centralised library of components that can be reused across different pages or even projects. This not only speeds up the design process but also guarantees a consistent look and feel throughout your work. Make sure to regularly update and maintain your component library to reflect any design changes or improvements.
5. Real-Time Collaboration
One of Figma's standout features is its real-time collaboration capabilities. If you haven’t tried these, the prospect of multiple designers working simultaneously on a project may sound like a recipe for chaos. But try it out - watch as changes happen in real time and you may well see a more streamlined workflow and improved design consistency. To help, encourage your team to communicate through Figma's cursor chat feature. This not only fosters a sense of working together but also ensures that everyone is on the same page during the whole design process.
6. Optimise for Performance
As your design project grows, so does the size of your Figma file. Large files can lead to slower performance which in turn hinders the collaborative process. Try optimising your files by utilising Figma features such as ‘flatten selection’ or ‘simplify stroke’. These reduce complexity, without sacrificing design quality. You could also regularly check and remove any unnecessary layers. These actions all help to keep your Figma workspace running smoothly.
7. Stay Updated with Figma's New Features
Figma is continually evolving, with frequent updates and new features. Make sure you stay on top of these updates to ensure you're taking full advantage of the platform's capabilities. Whether it's new collaboration features, improved design tools or enhanced performance, keeping up to date with Figma's updates will help your team work more efficiently and creatively.
8. Educate Your Team on Figma Shortcuts
In the creative industry, time is usually of the essence. Figma is loaded with keyboard shortcuts that can significantly speed up your workflow. Take the time to educate your team on these shortcuts. From navigating the canvas to manipulating layers, mastering shortcuts can make a noticeable difference to your team's productivity.
Conclusion
In the dynamic world of design collaboration, Figma stands as a powerful ally. By implementing our tips into your workflow, you’ll take that much more advantage of Figma's capabilities and really start to foster a culture of seamless teamwork. The key to success lies not just in the tools you use but in how effectively you wield them as a team. Happy designing!
Related Training Courses
Web Skills
- Web publishing and HTML Introduction
- HTML5 and CSS3 Introduction
- Web Skills Advanced
- Web Accessibility and Usability
- Information Architecture for Successful Websites
- Designing Websites with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
- Video for the Web
- Web Banner Ad Production
- Web Technologies Overview
- Building Mobile Websites
- Creating Stores for Online Marketplaces
- Mobile Web Development Introduction
- Responsive Design Introduction
- UX Design Overview
- Mail Designer Pro Introduction
- User Experience (UX/UI) Design
- Introduction to Accessibility
Useful Resources
- Flatten selection in Figma A Figma plugin which rasterizes selected layers at a high resolution
- Figma’s Frames And Pages An extra layer of organisational control using separate, accessible documents
- Naming conventions in Figma Understand the benefits of consistent naming across all Figma components
- Figma's version history feature Keep track of changes you've made to your files with version history
- Figma's Comment feature Use comments to respond to feedback, tweak your designs, and iterate faster
- Figma's Component libraries A library for responsive UI Components
- Real-time collaboration capabilities in Figma Understand how to work collaboratively in Figma
- Simplify stroke in Figma Learn how to apply and adjust stroke properties
- Tracking Figma's updates Here’s where to learn about new features and updates
- Keyboard shortcuts in Figma Handy keyboard shortcuts and quick actions at your fingertips