This resource is intended to introduce you to our design tool, and how we collect feedback.
What is Figma?
Figma is a design tool that our team uses to create the sitemap, UX wireframes, style tiles, and UI designs.
How do I access Figma?
We will share each Figma deliverable on Basecamp, in the Information Architecture, UX & Site Planning, and UI & Creative Design threads.
When we post each deliverable for the first time, and further rounds, we will always share a Figma link. This is a public link, with view-only access. We don’t grant editor access to anyone outside our team.
How will we use Figma for collaboration?
We collect all feedback on the design deliverables within Figma, via comments. This keeps feedback in one place, which makes it easier for us to be sure we’ve actioned all of your requests. It also provides an easily accessible history of change requests, in case they’re needed later in the project.
If you provide verbal feedback in a meeting, or written feedback in Basecamp or in a content gathering doc, we will ask you to still add comments to Figma.
How do I leave comments?
You need a free Figma account to leave comments.
Is There Another Way?
No. There is no other way to collaborate on our design deliverables. We do all of our work in Figma. Without an account you’ll be unable to work with us.
How to Set Up an Account
When you click the link to the first Figma deliverable, the preliminary sitemap, you’ll see the option at the bottom of the screen to sign up or use your Google account.
Figma asks you a lot of questions as you sign up, because it assumes its users are designers and it wants to gather data for product improvement. You don’t actually have to provide any information besides your name and email address.
Leaving Comments
Once you’ve created an account, you can leave comments using the commenting tool. In the sitemap, it’s found in the bottom centre (where you signed up):
In the UX wireframes and the UI designs, it’s found in the upper left corner:
Can I share files with other team members?
Yes. You can share the links we give you with anyone, and they don’t need a Figma account to look at the designs. Accounts are only needed for commenting.
Ideally we’re only getting comments from the people who are on Basecamp are leaving comments (or better yet, just one person who is collecting all feedback on behalf of your larger team).
We can also export Figma files to PDFs for you, although it’s not the same experience and can be much harder to read.
Do you have tips for using Figma?
We sure do.
If your question or request is complex, post it to Basecamp instead (we will do the same if our answer is long or is likely to bring up some back-and-forth)
Files are best viewed on a desktop monitor
Hold down the spacebar to turn your mouse arrow into a little hand, which can drag the screen left and right
Hold “cmd” or “ctrl” and use the roller wheel on your mouse to quickly zoom in and out
Tag your comments to the exact place in the design where you want to see the change–if your comment is about a page in the sitemap, tag the comment to that page (not to the page’s name in the menu)
Be clear and specific, so the comment can be actioned on the next round without having to pause and ask for clarification via Basecamp
Provide screenshots or links to visual examples if applicable
If more than one person is providing feedback from your team, review the comments before tagging us in for the next round, to ensure there are no duplicate requests or conflicting requests
