How Do You Make a Clickable Prototype in Figma?

Creating a clickable prototype is an essential step in the design process as it allows you to test and validate your ideas before moving forward with development. In this tutorial, we will explore how to make a clickable prototype using Figma, a powerful web-based design tool.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Figma Project

To begin, open Figma and create a new project or open an existing one. Once you have your project ready, navigate to the desired frame where you want to create the prototype.

Step 2: Adding Interactions

To make elements clickable, select the element you want to add an interaction to. Whether it's a button, image, or text, the process remains the same. With the element selected, click on the "Prototype" tab in the right sidebar.

Within the Prototype tab, you'll find various interaction options. Let's start with creating a basic link.

Basic Link Interaction

To create a basic link interaction:

1. Select the element you want to be clickable.
2. Click on "Prototype" in the right sidebar.
3. Select "Link" as the action type under "On Tap".
4. Select the destination frame from the dropdown menu (the frame that will be shown when users click on this element).

You can also customize additional options like animation and transition effects by expanding "Smart Animate" or "Transition" within the Prototype tab.

Create Interactive Transitions between Frames

Figma allows you to create interactive transitions between frames, providing users with a more immersive experience. To create an interactive transition:

1. Select the element you want to add the interaction to.
2. Select the desired interaction type under "On Tap", such as "Slide Left", "Slide Right", or "Push".
3. Select the destination frame from the dropdown menu.
4. Adjust the easing and duration options to fine-tune your transition.

Step 3: Preview and Test Your Clickable Prototype

Once you've added all your interactions, it's time to preview and test your clickable prototype. Click on the "Play" button located at the top right corner of Figma's interface. This will launch a preview window where you can interact with your prototype as if it were a real application or website.

You can navigate between frames by clicking on interactive elements, simulating user interactions and testing the flow of your design. It's important to thoroughly test your prototype to identify any usability issues or design flaws before proceeding further with development.

Figma's clickable prototypes can also be shared with stakeholders, clients, or team members for feedback. Simply click on the "Share" button at the top right corner of Figma's interface, generate a shareable link, and distribute it to whoever needs access to your prototype.

In Conclusion

Figma provides an intuitive platform for creating clickable prototypes that simulate user interactions. By following these steps, you can easily add interactions to elements and create seamless transitions between frames in your design. Remember to thoroughly test and gather feedback on your prototype to refine your design and improve the overall user experience.

Now that you have learned how to make a clickable prototype in Figma, take advantage of this powerful feature to bring your designs to life and create engaging user experiences.