If you are unfamiliar with design and user-interface prototyping, Figma is a valuable tool for beginners. With its robust capabilities for both prototyping and design collaboration, Figma has become a top choice among designers. In this article, we will discuss the process of linking prototypes in Figma, which is an essential aspect of crafting interactive designs.
What is a Prototype?
In the world of design, a prototype is an early model of a product designed to test a concept or process. It helps to visualize the design and experience the product’s workflow in real-time before it gets developed.
Why Link Prototypes in Figma?
Linking prototypes in Figma allows you to create a flow of interaction between different design elements. It helps to demonstrate the flow of screens to your teammates or stakeholders without any additional explanations. Figma’s prototyping features also allow users to simulate the functionality of the final product.
How to Link Prototypes in Figma?
Linking prototypes in Figma is easy and straightforward. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open Your Design File
The first step to link prototypes in Figma is to open your design file. Navigate to the file where your design frames are located.
Step 2: Enter the Prototype Mode
Next, switch to the Prototype mode. To do this, click on the Prototype tab found next to the Design and Inspect tabs at the top of your right-side panel.
Step 3: Select Your Starting Frame
Now, select the frame where you want to start your interaction. This frame is usually the first screen users will see when they interact with your prototype.
Step 4: Create the Interaction
With the starting frame selected, click and drag the circular node (located on the right side of the frame) to your desired destination frame. A line will appear, connecting your source frame and your destination frame. This line represents the interaction between these two frames.
Step 5: Configure the Interaction
After creating the interaction, you can configure it. Figma will open a side menu where you can choose the interaction type (like On Click, While Pressing, etc.), animation (like Instant, Smart Animate, etc.), and other features. Experiment with these settings to get the desired outcome.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
To create a comprehensive prototype, repeat Steps 3-5 for each interaction you want to include in your prototype.
Wrapping Up
Linking prototypes in Figma is an essential skill for creating interactive, engaging designs. By following these steps, you can easily make your designs more dynamic and demonstrate a real-time workflow to stakeholders and teammates alike. So, start linking your prototypes in Figma today and transform your designs from static images to interactive experiences.
