For content designers and UX writers, the question of whether to Learn Figma often arises. It’s a valid question, especially when you’re focused on words and messaging. So, is learning Figma truly necessary for a content professional in the UX field?
Working Where the Design Happens
While not strictly mandatory for every role, understanding the basics of Figma can significantly benefit your career, particularly in today’s collaborative and often remote design environments. Think about it: design decisions are increasingly made within Figma files. If you’re not comfortable navigating this space, it can be challenging to effectively contribute to those crucial decisions. Imagine leaving feedback or questions in a separate document buried in Google Drive versus directly commenting within the Figma file where the design process is actively unfolding. The latter is far more likely to be seen, understood, and acted upon by your UX design and research peers.
Therefore, if your team or the companies you’re interested in operate within a “Figma culture,” grasping the fundamentals is highly recommended. We’re talking about essential skills like adding and editing text, managing files, and participating in feedback loops through comments. The good news is, if you’re generally comfortable with computers, these basics are quite easy to pick up. You could learn enough in an afternoon to get started and become proficient within a few weeks. It’s not something to be intimidated by.
However, it’s important to remember that the design world isn’t exclusively Figma-centric. Some teams use other tools, and some design work might not even heavily rely on visual wireframes. So, while learning Figma is a valuable skill and unlikely to be a regret given its popularity and ease of learning the basics, mastering it to the same extent as a visual designer might not be necessary for your specific content design career path. It might not even be the most critical skill for you to develop deeply right now.
Focus on Conceptual Skills Over Specific Tools
In the grand scheme of things, remember that Figma is just a tool. Design tools evolve, new ones emerge, and others fade away. The truly vital skills for a content designer are the “thinky things”— the underlying concepts and methodologies that drive effective UX and content strategy, regardless of the software being used. These include user-centered design principles, information architecture, content strategy frameworks, and clear communication.
Personally, many content design tasks can be effectively tackled with simple tools like whiteboards, sticky notes, spreadsheets, and a word processor. Sometimes, using Figma or Miro becomes beneficial simply because it’s the preferred collaborative space for the design team. Using their chosen tool ensures your contributions are readily accessible and integrated into their workflow. But the core value you bring isn’t about your Figma expertise; it’s about your content design thinking.
Experience Level and Tool Engagement
The level of Figma proficiency needed can also vary depending on your career stage. Junior content designers and UX writers often engage more directly with the hands-on writing within interfaces. This means they’re more likely to be working directly in design tools, where their text integrates with the visual and interactive elements.
Interestingly, this can create a unique situation for those transitioning into content design from other fields. You might possess the experience and strategic thinking to qualify for mid-level or senior roles, or even content strategy or operations positions, where deep Figma skills are less critical. You could find yourself in a senior role and rarely need to create something new in Figma, while still being highly effective as a content designer. In such cases, you’ll likely learn the necessary tool skills organically as you go, similar to learning any new company software.
Develop Skills Aligned with Your Career Aspirations
Ultimately, the decision to learn Figma deeply (or any design tool) should align with your career goals and interests. If you are passionate about interface writing, enjoy contributing to interaction design, and want to directly collaborate with UX designers on mockups, then absolutely, invest time in becoming proficient in Figma (or the design tool favored by companies you’re targeting).
However, if that doesn’t resonate with you, or if you’re unsure, consider a “skillmapping” exercise. This involves evaluating your design and content skills and assessing your comfort level with each. This exercise can reveal skill clusters and foundational areas for professional growth, helping you prioritize your learning.
Seeing the bigger picture of your desired career path can reframe the “Should I learn Figma?” question. It becomes less about a tool in isolation and more about how Figma skills fit into your overall professional development. Many find that the answer to the Figma question becomes clear once they have a solid understanding of where they want their content design career to go.
