Overview

The goal of this course is to turn hesitation into fluency. Learn not just how to use Figma, but how to think in Figma—combining mindset, workflow, and small daily challenges to build real confidence.

In this day and age of UX design, its a given that you should use Figma. But - what does that mean? Do you need to be fluent in autolayout? Does every design need to use variables & tokens? The short answer is no to both, but it can be hard for a new designer to know that.

Our goal in the next few modules is to review basics of Figma and also introduce you to challenges and structured practice you can do to build up your skills and finally have the confidence you need to design.

Note:

If you are currently enrolled in the Design XP Apprenticeship program, send us a note at support@design-xp.com and we will grant you your Figma Education License.


The Figma Lab: Practice, Build, and Level Up

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Introduction

  • Overview
  • How to Actually Get Better at Figma

Navigating Figma

  • What is Figma & How to Get Started
  • Navigating your way around Figma
  • Installing Plugins

Best Practices + Foundational Skills

  • Layout & Spacing
  • Layers, Naming Conventions, and Best Practices
  • Components — Design Once, Use Everywhere
  • Documentation & Developer Handoff — Designing for Others
  • Prototyping — Bringing Your Designs to Life
  • Understanding Auto Layout (and When Not to Use It)
  • Libraries & Design Systems — Working Smarter, Not Harder
  • Constraints — Making Your Designs Responsive
  • Understanding Design Tokens
  • Coming Soon: Prototyping with Figma Make

Building Confidence

  • Improving Your Eye for Design — Seeing Like a Designer
  • Components Practice
  • Autolayout Practice
  • Prototyping 101
  • Prototyping 201 (optional)
  • Design Systems Practice
  • Layout Grid Practice

Challenges

  • Rules for Completion
  • 🧱 Challenge 1 — “Same, but Different”
  • 🎨 Challenge 2 — “Two Colours, Full Story”
  • 📊 Challenge 3: “The Clutter Challenge” — Information Density Control
  • 📱 Challenge 4: “Gesture Logic” — Designing Meaningful Motion
  • 💬 Challenge 5: “Empathetic Error” — Emotional UX Design
  • 💾 Challenge 6: “Tiny Screen, Big Clarity” — Designing for Constraints
  • 🧠 Challenge 7: “Text-Only Interface” — Designing with Type
  • 🔁 Challenge 8: “Rebuild from Memory” — Spatial Recall Exercise
  • Feedback Process

Resources & Considerations

  • How to Design with AI
  • Tips to Improve Faster
  • List of Resources
  • Design XP Workshop Recordings
  • Getting Help