When we think about user experience, what do we envision? The first thing many people imagine is a smooth, glossy design in Figma. Well, with all the ease that comes with Figma and other design tools, their role and capacity define only part of what UX encompasses. UX is much more than the design of high-fidelity screens; it is holistic, affecting a user’s very first interaction all the way to long-term satisfaction.
The Myth of UX
It’s easy to think of UX as creating wireframes or visual design, but unfortunately, the rise of design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD has only served to perpetuate this myth. These tools are just a small part of the field. There’s a lot more to UX than that, for example, heat maps, user personas, and more.
A successful UX strategy involves research, experimentation, and testing, all of which are essential to creating an intuitive and functional product. It helps you discover your users’ needs, behaviors, and pain points. Then, the people who work with your product can confidently have a powerful and positive experience.
Start UX with research and user insights, followed by testing.
Before starting in Figma, the work begins with market research and competitor analysis. Then, the easiest way to find relevant information is to start by entering the user. Once we have collected all the information, we can finally see what the final result of the research is.
When you start a project, you have to face some basic questions,
— Who are your users
— What are their goals
— What problem are we trying to solve for them?
— How can we offer the most effective solution?
Empathy Drives Good UX
Empathy is the core of UX.It helps identify the problems users face with your product. and actually solve those problems/needs. It makes it easy to create a simple and easy user flow.
One key element of empathy in UX design is the ability to anticipate and address the emotional journey of your users. How does your design make them feel at each stage? Are you reducing their anxiety, or are you adding unnecessary complexity?
Prototyping and Testing: The Power of Iteration
Once your research and empathy-driven design approach are set, the next phase is prototyping and testing. This is where Figma, or any other design tool, comes into play. But even here, the focus should be on iteration rather than perfection.
Prototyping is a chance to visualize user flows, test for interactions, and then validate your design with real users. But too often, people make the mistake of thinking that’s a version that has gone out the door. User testing is a way of continuous refinement of the product based on feedback from real life. Every round of testing brings in really valuable insights that help improve the design before wider audiences get access to it.
UX Extends Beyond the Interface
While tools like Figma are integral to creating the visual aspects of a product, UX extends far beyond just the interface. UX is about the entire user journey—how they find the product, how they learn to use it, and how they continue to engage with it over time.
It involves elements like onboarding, customer support, documentation, and the overall usability of the product. These factors play a huge role in whether a product becomes successful or falls flat.
The Last Line
UX is not just about creating beautiful designs in Figma, it’s about research, empathy, testing, solving real user problems, and creating a good flow to give people a good experience.
So, next time someone says, ‘UX is just Figma,’ remember that it encompasses much more than just tools: it’s about the user’s journey, emotional connection, and solving real problems.
