Lately, with Figma rolling out new fancy features, there's been a buzz comparing it to Webflow. As someone who uses both, I find it pretty funny.
People are asking why bother learning Figma when Webflow can do web design, and vice versa. They're also wondering what sets Webflow apart and what it's capable of.
It's totally normal to hear these questions from folks who aren't knee-deep in the design world. But you know what really got me? When fellow designers started asking the same things! I mean, seriously? So, I decided to put together this small article sharing my thoughts on the topic.
Deliverables: Design vs. Development
Instead of getting into all the nitty-gritty details, let's focus on what each tool does best. Figma is great for making cool wireframes and designs. But you can't just share a Figma link with a client and say, "Here's your website, isn't it awesome?"
Figma's purpose is design creation. These designs then need to be translated into code using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This development process can be done in various platforms like Webflow, WordPress, or custom coding. Regardless of the chosen platform, the goal is to breathe life into the Figma design, making it accessible through a URL.
Beyond Aesthetics: Responsiveness and Functionality
And it's not just about looks; your design needs to work too. While Figma allows for responsive design using auto-layout, it can't handle true functionality. Features like interactive forms, user authentication, or e-commerce functionalities are all outside Figma's scope.
Think of it like this: We wouldn't expect AutoCAD to build a house, but it's the perfect tool to design one. Similarly, Figma focuses on design and prototyping, not building websites or apps. The development stage comes after the design is finalized.
Here's a fun twist: I can totally see Figma and Webflow holding hands instead of duking it out. It's like they complete each other, in a way.
In a Nutshell:
Figma – Design Tool
Webflow – Website Builder (Development Tool)
Conclusion:
It's crucial to understand the distinct roles of design and development. They are separate stages in the creation process.
Figma isn't outdated because it can't build websites. It's a powerful design tool. The confusion lies in understanding the different purposes of each platform. Figma excels at design, while Webflow takes care of development. Both tools play vital roles in the web creation process.
