Design Tools 101: Figma, XD, Sketch, and Canva
Here, we bring starters up close and personal with the fundamentals of four prominent UI/UX design tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, and Canva. These tools have been described with examples, applications, and recommended starter workflows.
Figma
Figma is a web-based design program that supports multi-user real-time editing. It’s great for designing interfaces, prototyping, and mapping user flows.
- Use Case: Develop a login page with interaction states (hover, click).
- Example: A student co-designs a food-delivery app interface using Figma during a group project.
Adobe XD
Adobe XD offers tools for app and web prototyping, animation, and wireframing. It integrates well with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
- Use Case: Construct clickable wireframes for a mobile onboarding sequence.
- Example: A learner builds a 4-step walkthrough for a finance app using XD’s auto-animate feature.
Sketch
Sketch is popular among macOS users for high-fidelity UI design and handing off assets to developers.
- Use Case: Develop high-fidelity mockups for a desktop dashboard.
- Example: A student creates a marketing analytics dashboard with symbols and reusable components.
Canva
Canva is a graphic design platform ideal for non-designers. It’s used for quick mockups, social media graphics, and presentation decks.
- Use Case: Design a pitch deck for a product idea.
- Example: A beginner uses Canva to create a 5-slide UX case study presentation.
Figma
Web-based, collaborative, and powerful. Great for real-time team design.
Try: Wireframe a login screen or prototype a 3-screen signup flow.
Adobe XD
Perfect for prototyping and working within Adobe’s creative ecosystem.
Try: Build a clickable navigation menu using tap triggers.
Sketch (Mac Only)
Lightweight and component-driven, ideal for Apple-based design workflows.
Try: Build a reusable header/footer component with Symbols.
Canva
Beginner-friendly with drag-and-drop interface for quick UI visuals and mockups.
Try: Design a 3-screen mobile app using prebuilt elements.
🎯 Bonus Challenge
- Redesign a homepage using Canva or Figma
- Build a style guide (colors, typography) in Sketch or XD
- Create a micro-interaction animation in XD