The Two-Screen Miracle: How Figma Variables Transformed My Prototype
Documenting the journey of my experience with Figma variables in creating a prototype.
I often find myself exploring new design tools and techniques to enhance my workflow. Recently, I faced a unique challenge in our Cross-Media Design Solutions class handled by Prof. Cameron Rennacker — to create a mobile app that showcased a typeface and captured its personality through an engaging and interactive experience. This was not just a typical assignment; it was an opportunity for me to learn something that I always wanted to dig deep into — Figma Variables.
The Assignment Unveiled
The task was straightforward: select a typeface persona, and design a prototype that displayed every character (uppercase and lowercase), standard punctuation, and additional glyphs.
The goal? Create an app that embodies the essence of the typeface, allowing users to playfully interact with the characters and test custom words.
I selected Eurostile as the typeface to go ahead with as I liked the sleek and futuristic characteristics of this typeface.
Reflecting on my previous experience, I remembered the struggles of a prior assignment where I used the conventional prototyping method. The result? A tangled mess of 50 screens and innumerable interconnected links that left me feeling overwhelmed.
I knew I couldn’t go down that road again, so I decided to dive deeper into Figma Variables to elevate my approach.
It took me three intensive days to fully understand the concepts of Figma Variables. While it was challenging, the knowledge I gained would ultimately transform my workflow and design.
A Paradigm Shift: From Traditional to Transformative
Traditionally, designers rely on static screens and manual duplication for each state of a prototype, which can balloon into hundreds of screens depending upon the complexity of the prototype. This complexity can be daunting, leading to inconsistency and confusion. I knew I needed a better way.
As I explored Figma Variables, I realized this feature could be my secret weapon. Here’s how it transformed my project.
Standing Out in a Crowd
- Two Screens vs. 400+: While my classmates were creating extensive prototypes with hundreds of screens with spider web-like interconnections, I managed to prototype everything I needed in just two screens.
- Real-Time Custom Text Input: One of the most exciting features I integrated was the ability for users to input custom text. Unlike my peers, who were stuck with static placeholder text, my prototype allowed real-time typing and instant rendering in the chosen typeface.
- Dynamic Weight Toggling: I was able to implement a seamless experience for switching between different font weights, all within the same screen. No more copying and pasting screens for every weight variation!
The Power of Variables in Action
Figma Variables significantly changed my approach to design:
- Efficiency at Its Core: With the ability to make global changes quickly, I could refine my design and apply feedback without the headache of adjusting hundreds of screens.
- Consistency is Key: Fewer screens meant maintaining a cohesive design was a breeze. My prototype felt unified and thought-out rather than a patchwork of disparate elements.
- Interactivity that Engages: The integration of variables turned my app from a static display into an interactive experience. Users could explore the typeface in a way that felt personal and engaging.
Reflections on a New Perspective
In using Figma Variables, I didn’t just complete an assignment; I embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped my understanding of design and prototyping. The contrast between my, two-screen prototype and my classmates’ extensive prototypes was striking. It illuminated the immense potential of Figma Variables.
What struck me the most was how embracing tools like Figma Variables can significantly improve not just efficiency, but the quality of user engagement in our designs.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Prototyping
As I move forward in my design career, I am excited to see how tools like Figma Variables will continue to evolve.
They empower designers to:
- Create More with Less: Focus on functionality without drowning in countless screens.
- Craft Interactive Experiences: Offer genuine engagement even at the prototype stage.
- Adapt Quickly: Revise and iterate with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
- Push Boundaries: Explore new realms of digital design with confidence.
My journey with Figma Variables was not just about completing an assignment differently; it was about unraveling new ways of approaching design challenges and solutions.
I left this assignment not only with a polished prototype but also with a newfound appreciation for the power of variables and the impact they can have on design workflows. Who knew that a little exploration could lead to such rewarding results?
Here’s to the future of design — one variable at a time!
Thank you for taking the time to read my learnings. I hope there was something new to learn for you as well.
Feel free to drop a Hi 👋 on Linkedin
Fun fact — Long press on the “Clap” icon for a few seconds and see the magic 😉 While you are there don’t forget to drop in your comments.
