But first...what is Figma?
Figma is a collaborative web-based graphics editing and prototyping application.
Important things to know:
1. There's a free version
2. It's easy to pick up and learn
3. There's a thriving community
figma.com/
Use Case 1 - Prototyping
Prototyping is a simulation or sample version of a final product, which teams use for feedback/ testing before launch.
You can create prototypes by hand
or
Use tableauuikit.com to significantly speed up the process and improve quality
Use Case 2 - Dashboard Assets
These are things like buttons, tabs, breadcrumbs, etc.
There's significant advantages to doing this work in Figma instead of something like Powerpoint
Figma is much more advanced and you can control padding, use consistent styles and much more!
Use Case 3 - Dashboard Backgrounds
Tableau does not have native features that allow for things like shadows, rounded corners, line height, etc.
So people use Figma to achieve it
Steps:
1 - Create background in Figma
2 - Export image
3 - Add to dashboard
Use Case 4 - Icons
Many designers are starting to use Figma for their icon work
If you need to edit an icon for your dashboard, or create something new; Figma will get you there (unless you're a very advanced icon designer)
The next use case is not Tableau specific...
But, I think it's important to mention ๐ฌ
Use Case 5 - Presentations
I now create all of my presentations using Figma. I will no longer use Powerpoint
The difference is night and day
I know people are hesitant of new software, but this is definitely a "once you start using it you'll never go back situation"
I know having to learn new software can be time consuming and daunting
But, the advantages a tool like Figma can provide are unquestionable. Plus, it's by far and away the top design tool right now (would look great on a resume)
Don't believe me?
uxtools.co/survey-2021/