Figma

Figma sits at the edge of JMK's core stack — we're not a design agency, but we use it enough in client engagements that it's earned a spot in our toolkit. When we need to mockup a dashboard layout before building it in Metabase, prototype an automation workflow for client approval, or collaborate on a Webflow design, Figma is where that happens.

Figma sits at the edge of JMK's core stack — we're not a design agency, but we use it enough in client engagements that it's earned a spot in our toolkit. When we need to mockup a dashboard layout before building it in Metabase, prototype an automation workflow for client approval, or collaborate on a Webflow design, Figma is where that happens.

Where It Excels

Real-time collaboration changed design workflows permanently. Having clients and team members in the same file, leaving comments on specific elements, and seeing changes in real time eliminates the "here's a PDF mockup, send me your feedback" loop. The browser-based approach means clients don't need to install anything — they click a link and they're looking at the design.

The prototyping capabilities are strong enough for most client presentations. Smart animate, interactive components, and conditional flows let us build clickable prototypes that demonstrate how a dashboard or workflow will actually feel. For getting client buy-in before we build, this is invaluable.

Where It Falls Short

Figma's pricing has shifted significantly. The Professional plan at $15/editor/month (billed annually) is reasonable, but the removal of the free Starter plan for teams means even small collaborations require paid seats. The AI features are also bundled into paid plans, which adds cost for features that aren't yet mature enough to justify the premium.

For non-designers, Figma still has a learning curve. Auto-layout, component variants, and design tokens require real investment to use effectively. We've found that non-design team members can comment and navigate but can't contribute meaningfully to designs without training.

How JMK Uses It

Figma is our design tool for client-facing mockups and prototypes. We use it when we need to visualize a dashboard layout before building it, create workflow diagrams for client presentations, or collaborate with a client's design team on Webflow templates. It's not central to every engagement, but it shows up regularly in the discovery and planning phases.

Who It's Right For

• Product and design teams that need real-time collaborative design with developer handoff capabilities.
• Companies building web applications or marketing sites that need prototyping and design system management.
• Teams that want to replace Adobe Creative Cloud for UI/UX work with a browser-based alternative.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

• Teams doing primarily print design, illustration, or photo editing — Adobe Creative Cloud is still necessary.
• Solo designers on a tight budget — the paid tier requirement for team features can be limiting.
• Organizations that need offline design capabilities — Figma requires an internet connection.