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Figma Video Feature
A conceptual design of an add-on video feature for Figma.
Problem Statement
Stakeholders and non-technical team members unfamiliar with Figma struggle with the infinite canvas and non-linear layout of Figma, often getting lost in the canvas and needing a visual walk-through or context to understand the process.
Background
A loved tool among designers, Figma touts “Figma connects everyone in the design process so teams can deliver better products, faster.” It is known for providing designers with key features that help with team collaboration. Collaboration is better when contextualization, tone, and body language can be added. Video messaging and screencasts would allow for better asynchronous collaboration. Figma sees an opportunity there and wants to help designers go beyond verbalization and show, as well as explain to stakeholders and non-technical team members similar to the Loom integration in InVision.
Objectives & Goals
I want to know if designers feel the need to go beyond just audio in Figma to communicate effectively with stakeholders and non-technical team members to alleviate any pain points.
I want to know if short videos and screencasts will assist in the efficacy of their design process in a team.
I wanted to add another feature beyond audio. My experience as a trainer and instructor led me to believe that most people are visual learners and adding a video messaging system similar to Loom in InVision would only enhance collaboration in Figma.
Design Process
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I needed to reach out to experience UX and UI designers in the field who have use the team collaboration features of Figma.
Research
Research Objectives
- Determine what goals users have when using the audio tool in Figma.
- Identify the preferred methods of communicating with non-technical stakeholders and teammates.
- Understand the design process in a team and if remote working has affected it.
- Learn if there are concerns about the efficacy of current communication methods in Figma.
Methodologies
- Conduct research on team design processes
- Comparative and competitive research to see what our competitors offer
- User interviews to find out how users communicate on a design team
- User interviews to determine the best methods to improve remote/hybrid working
- Survey online users about design team member habits
Product Users
- People who currently work as a team as a designer.
- People who recently worked in a design team in any position.
Assumptions & Risks
- Assume will be able to interview and survey enough UX and UI designers due to being currently enrolled in a UX course, as well as belonging to many UX social media groups.
- Assume that there is a need for better communication and sharing during the design process with non-technical teammates and stakeholders.
Information Architecture
Research Summary
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I developed the user persona, Karla the Creator, after conducting 3 user interviews and a Qualtrics survey of 14 UX and UI Designers in all stages of their career.
Persona
Interaction Design
I decided that a site map wasn't necessary because my users are very familiar with Figma, but I needed to know my user flow for the added feature.
Taskflow
The Feature
I knew that Loom had been integrated into InVision and I wanted to use a competitor of Loom. I settled upon Cloud App. It allows for 90 second video messaging, screencasts (both annotated and non-annotated), and GIFS. I imagined how it would be integrated into Figma.
I built out the UI screens from a variety of screenshots of Figma and Cloud App. I chose a similar icon as the audio feature for the video feature.
UI
Iteration and Implementation
Once the prototype had been created, it was time to conduct a usability test with 3 participants via Zoom. All 3 had experience using Figma.
Prototype
Overall, 100% of the testers were able to record and add a video, screencast, and GIF to the team Figma file.
Final UI Screens
I found that all 3 participants were able to easily navigate through the scenarios with little difficulty or issue.
Results & Takeaways
As more and more UX designers are using Figma as their preferred design tool, an easy and effective way to collaborate is needed beyond audio, especially since most people are visual learners.
Video provides a clarity and context which can be lost through texts, messages, and calls.The ability to send quick video messages and visual context would only improve Figma’s collaborative process.
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