Designing And Prototyping With Figma
What is prototyping?
Want to learn more about prototyping? Here’s a quick introduction, with loads of resources to learn more.
Prototyping is the fourth stage in the design thinking process—and it’s the most “presentable” stage of the process, even if you’re doing rapid prototyping (a much faster and more iterative version). Where wireframing is a quick and dirty process of sketching out your design solutions, prototyping moves the process closer to what the product—or at least that part of the user flow—will look like in the end.
The goal of prototyping is to put your design solutions in action, in a way that allows you to see if they’re actually effective in addressing users’ needs and goals.
Broadly speaking there are three kinds of prototypes: low-fidelity prototypes, high-fidelity prototypes, and the ones in the middle.
Low-fidelity prototypes are a very loose sketch—perhaps closer to a rough mockup. No need to worry about UI elements or microcopy here! Sketch in a little box in place of a button, blank lines in place of copy, and placeholders for images. Low-fidelity prototypes are great for initially testing an idea.
High-fidelity prototypes are the opposite—much more detailed, and unless you’re a designer with UX and UI experience, you’ll probably team up with others to get this one done. High-fidelity prototypes seek to get as close as possibly to what the final product will look like. The highest fidelity prototypes even work in animation and other functions so that you can move through the prototype just like your users would.
And mid-fidelity prototypes fall right in between these two in terms of detail and time investment.
As a new or aspiring UX/UI designer, you’ll be expected to be familiar with a full suite of industry-standard design tools—and to specialize in at least a few of them! But how do you know which prototyping tools are worth taking the time to learn? Check out our list of the best prototyping tools on the market—that should get you started!
Featured presenters
Olga Voskoboinikova
UI Design Mentor
Product Designer (UI+UX) with B2B and B2C experience, having worked in companies from 3 to 7000 employees for 10+ years in 3 different countries. Olga loves sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of UI and UX designers.
Related on-demand events
How to make a successful career change
Want your dream job in tech? Watch this recording of a LIVE session with career coach Susan Clark to show you how.
Women in Design: Career change success stories & tips
Watch this recording of a LIVE panel discussion showcasing CareerFoundry’s women design graduates who’ve successfully transitioned into the dynamic world of tech – hear their stories, insights into challenges faced, and valuable industry tips!
UX/UI design brief: wireframe, design & handoff in Figma
Want to know what it’s like working as a designer in tech? Check out this recording of a LIVE workshop led by Craig Hansen, Visual Designer and CareerFoundry UI design mentor. Dive deep into the world of design as we guide you through every step of the process, from the UX/UI design brief to the final handoff.
Design tutorial: Crafting high fidelity wireframes with AI
Take part in an immersive AI-enhanced Figma tutorial with Craig Hansen, Visual Designer and CareerFoundry UI design mentor. In this session, you’ll delve into the art of wireframing as we explore the intricacies of low, mid, and high fidelity designs tailored specifically for an environmental non-profit organization.
Career Change: How to Find Your Path in Germany's Tech Sector
Ready to unlock your potential in Germany’s dynamic tech sector? Discover insider insights and expert advice on finding your path with leaders from top companies like Deutsche Telekom AG and PIABO.
Unraveling UX vs. UI vs. product design
Watch this career talk with Florian Bölter, Senior Product Designer at Juro, to understand the differences between UX, UI, and Product Design to thrive in the ever-evolving field of design. This event is ideal for beginners!
A Designer's Guide to Hiring Processes
Watch this recording of a career talk with Maureen Herben, Product Designer at Miro, and CareerFoundry UX design graduate, as she dives into the world of hiring processes from a designer’s perspective. If you’re interested in design, this is one not to miss!
10 Reasons Why Product Design is a Good Career
Watch this introduction to the dynamic world of product design with Florian Bölter, a Senior Product Designer at Juro, and CareerFoundry UI design graduate. During this session you’ll gain insights into the essential skills demanded by the design industry and learn how mastering them can set you apart.
Acing Your Remote Job Hunt
Are you ready to launch your remote career in design? Check out this thrilling recording of a CareerFoundry live event with Tom Hopcroft, an expert content creator and a remote UX designer, who will guide us on how to ace your remote job hunt!