Connection Example
Homepage Schedule Button → Scheduling Page
Click schedule button connection node, drag arrow to scheduling wireframe, release to connect
Digital Prototypes Figma
Build Low-Fidelity Prototypes in Figma
Section titled “Build Low-Fidelity Prototypes in Figma”From Wireframes to Interactive Prototypes
Section titled “From Wireframes to Interactive Prototypes”Digital low-fidelity prototypes represent the transition from static wireframes to interactive experiences. While wireframes establish overall structure, prototypes focus on understanding how users interact with the design.
Key Distinction
Section titled “Key Distinction”Wireframes: Show structure and layout of individual screens Prototypes: Demonstrate how users navigate between screens and complete tasks
When users press a button or tap a menu in a prototype, they need to understand what happens next - this interactivity is what makes prototypes valuable for testing and validation.
Figma’s Prototyping Capabilities
Section titled “Figma’s Prototyping Capabilities”Figma serves as an all-in-one tool, providing both design and prototype capabilities. The prototyping features in Figma work for both low-fidelity and high-fidelity designs, making it versatile throughout the design process.
Setting Up Your Prototype
Section titled “Setting Up Your Prototype”Preparation Steps
Section titled “Preparation Steps”1. Organize Wireframes
- Ensure all necessary screens are created in Figma
- Label each frame clearly (e.g., “01-Homepage”, “02-Schedule”, “03-Dog Walker List”)
- Arrange screens in logical user flow order
2. Plan User Journey Map out how users will move through your app:
- What happens when they tap the schedule button?
- Where do they go after selecting a dog walker?
- How do they navigate back to previous screens?
Switching to Prototype Mode
Section titled “Switching to Prototype Mode”In Figma, change from the Design tab to the Prototype tab in the right panel. This changes your available options from editing wireframes to creating interactive connections.
Creating Interactive Connections
Section titled “Creating Interactive Connections”Connection Nodes
Section titled “Connection Nodes”When you hover over elements in prototype mode, a small circle with a plus sign appears - this is a connection node. It indicates where a prototype connection can begin.
Building Connections
Section titled “Building Connections”Step-by-Step Process:
- Select element that should be interactive (e.g., schedule button)
- Click connection node - a circle with plus sign appears
- Drag arrow from the element to destination screen
- Release to create connection
Testing Connections
Section titled “Testing Connections”Use the Play button in the upper-right corner to enter presentation view and test your prototype:
- Click interactive elements to see if they navigate correctly
- Verify all intended connections work as expected
- Identify any missing connections or broken paths
Comprehensive Prototype Planning
Section titled “Comprehensive Prototype Planning”Account for All Interactions
Section titled “Account for All Interactions”Consider every place users might click:
- Primary actions: Main buttons and calls-to-action
- Navigation elements: Back arrows, menu icons, profile buttons
- Secondary actions: Cancel buttons, alternative paths
- Content interactions: Tappable images, expandable sections
Example: Dog Walking App Flow
Section titled “Example: Dog Walking App Flow”Complete User Journey:
- Homepage → Schedule (via schedule button)
- Schedule → Dog Walker List (via submit button)
- Dog Walker List → Profile (via learn more buttons)
- Profile → Confirmation (via book button)
- Any Screen → Homepage (via back buttons)
Handling Multiple Options
Section titled “Handling Multiple Options”When you have lists of similar items (like dog walkers), you have options:
- Connect all items to individual profile screens (comprehensive but time-intensive)
- Connect all items to one example profile screen (efficient for lo-fi testing)
- Connect select items to demonstrate functionality
Advanced Prototype Features
Section titled “Advanced Prototype Features”Scrolling Screens
Section titled “Scrolling Screens”Figma automatically enables scrolling for screens that extend beyond the frame height:
- Create longer wireframes for content that should scroll
- Users can naturally scroll through content in presentation mode
- No additional setup required
Back Navigation
Section titled “Back Navigation”Always include ways for users to return to previous screens:
- Back arrows: Connect to previous screen in flow
- Cancel buttons: Return users to starting point
- Navigation icons: Allow access to main sections
Alternative User Paths
Section titled “Alternative User Paths”Account for different ways users might navigate:
- Profile access: What happens when users tap profile icon?
- Content exploration: Where do article headlines or images lead?
- Search functionality: How do users find specific content?
Testing Your Prototype
Section titled “Testing Your Prototype”Presentation Mode Testing
Section titled “Presentation Mode Testing”Navigation Testing:
- Go through complete user flows from start to finish
- Test alternative paths and edge cases
- Verify back navigation works correctly
- Check that all interactive elements respond appropriately
User Task Simulation:
- Schedule a dog walker (primary task)
- Browse different profiles (exploration)
- Access user profile (account management)
- Read training articles (content consumption)
Identifying Gaps
Section titled “Identifying Gaps”During testing, you’ll often discover:
- Missing screens for certain user actions
- Unclear navigation paths
- Confusing interactive elements
- Incomplete user flows
Quick Solutions:
- Create missing screens immediately in Figma
- Add necessary connections
- Clarify navigation with additional elements
- Document issues for future iteration
Iteration Mindset
Discovering gaps during prototype testing is normal and valuable - it’s much better to find these issues now than after full development.
Digital low-fidelity prototypes bridge the gap between static design concepts and interactive user experiences. They provide a testable version of your ideas that stakeholders and users can interact with, giving you valuable feedback before investing in high-fidelity design and development.