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
Links
Last updated
Was this helpful?