Use Figma for design prototyping

Status: Active
Last Modified: 2023-07-03
Related Issue: #103
Deciders: Andy Cochran, Emily Ianacone, Lucas Brown
Tags: design

Context and Problem Statement

Which tool should be used for wireframing and prototyping? The tool should facilitate design conversation, be easilty integrated into research activities, and provide artifacts for stakeholder review.

Decision Drivers

Platform availability
Live collborative editing
assets can be integrated into design research tools
tool and assets must be accessible to internal partners (HHS or employed by HHS) and external partners (general public).
Nava familiarity

Options Considered

Figma
Adobe XD
Sketch
Invision Studio

Decision Outcome

Chosen option: Figma, because it is not platform specific and its multi-user collaboration allows for easy remote pairing. It's assets can be easily shared, embedded, or integrated into research tools. Additionaly, Nava has the most familiarity with this option.

Positive Consequences

Truss has developed Figma assets using USWDS
Figma's free tier does not require FOSS contributors to purchase licenses
Figma has a robust community of plugins and integrations
Includes Figjam (tho this may be redundant, depending on chosen whiteboarding tool)

Negative Consequences

Collaborative nature of Figma requires connectivity and working online
Tho version control and file management is possible, it can be difficult to track who made recent changes

Pros and Cons of the Options

Figma

Pro
- Browser-based (works on Mac, Windows, Linux…)
- Free forever
- Nava familiarity
- Robust plugin community
Cons
- Limited files (3) in free tier
- Requires internet connectivity

Adobe XD

Pro
- Part of Adobe Creative Suite
Cons
- Native app, not browser-based
- No free tier (7-day trial)

Sketch

Pro
- Lowest subscription cost
Cons
- Mac only (nonstarter?)
- No free tier (30-day trial)

Invision Studio

Nonstarter: tool is being sunset