Implementing Figma Workflow: A Comprehensive Guide

by Alex Johnson 51 views

In this article, we will delve into the process of implementing a Figma workflow within a project, focusing on enhancing collaboration and streamlining the design and development process. This guide addresses the updates made to CLAUDE.md to accommodate the new workflow and outlines the steps taken to establish a robust development system. This comprehensive guide aims to equip your team with the knowledge and strategies needed to seamlessly integrate Figma into your workflow, ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the benefits of this powerful design tool. By following the steps outlined below, you'll be able to enhance your team's collaboration, improve design accuracy, and streamline your asset management process.

Project Overview

The introduction of Figma as a reference tool in the project marks a significant shift from screenshot-based development to Figma-based development. This transition enables developers to extract precise measurements for fonts, colors, and other design elements directly from Figma. This document outlines the necessary updates to CLAUDE.md to reflect this new workflow and ensure that the development team is aligned with the updated processes. This section provides a detailed overview of the project's goals, the reasons behind adopting Figma, and the expected outcomes of this workflow transition. It serves as a foundation for understanding the subsequent sections and ensures that all team members are on the same page regarding the project's direction and objectives. This ensures that all team members are aligned and understand the new workflow.

Priority

The priority for this task is considered medium, focusing on documenting and standardizing the new workflow. This prioritization ensures that the team can effectively adopt Figma while maintaining project momentum and deadlines. A medium priority indicates that while the task is important, it does not require immediate attention and can be addressed alongside other ongoing project activities. This allows for a balanced approach to project management, ensuring that both immediate and long-term goals are effectively addressed.

Responsibilities

  • Engineers: namdaama
  • Designers: hisana

Clear assignment of responsibilities ensures accountability and efficient execution of tasks. This division of labor allows team members to focus on their respective areas of expertise, contributing to a more streamlined and effective workflow implementation. The engineers and designers will collaborate closely to ensure that the Figma workflow is seamlessly integrated into the project.

Background

In December 2025, the design team started using Figma, marking a shift from screenshot-based development to Figma-based development (reference only). This allows for accurate retrieval of numerical values for font sizes and colors. It is essential to reflect these changes in the project documentation and communicate them to the entire team. This transition leverages Figma's capabilities to provide accurate design specifications, reducing discrepancies and enhancing the overall quality of the final product. By transitioning to Figma-based development, the team can ensure consistency and precision in design implementation.

Detailed Implementation

✅ Completed: CLAUDE.md Updates

The following updates have been made to CLAUDE.md to reflect the new Figma workflow: Documenting the changes ensures transparency and provides a reference point for team members to understand the updated processes. This section details the specific updates made to CLAUDE.md, providing a clear and concise record of the changes implemented to support the Figma workflow. This documentation serves as a valuable resource for team members, ensuring everyone is aligned with the new processes.

1. Updated Development Approach Section
  • Before: "Workflow: Screenshot-based development (Figma not required)"
  • After: "Workflow: Figma-based development (reference only)"
  • Instructions for retrieving values in Figma Dev Mode have been added.
  • It has been noted that screenshot instructions are still acceptable.

This update clarifies the shift in the development approach, emphasizing the use of Figma for reference while still allowing for screenshot instructions. This ensures flexibility in the workflow and caters to different preferences and situations. By clearly stating the updated development approach, the team can avoid confusion and adopt a consistent methodology.

2. Added New Figma Workflow Section

The following three phases are described in detail: Detailing the phases ensures a structured approach to implementing the Figma workflow, making it easier for team members to understand and follow. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the Figma workflow, breaking it down into distinct phases to ensure clarity and facilitate adoption by the team. By outlining each phase in detail, the team can better understand the steps involved and how they contribute to the overall project goals.

  • Design Phase: Figma shared link management, Dev Mode review, feedback flow. This phase focuses on the initial design process, emphasizing collaboration and feedback within Figma. Effective management of shared links and the use of Dev Mode are crucial for ensuring that designs are easily accessible and reviewed by the team. The feedback flow is also a critical component, allowing for iterative improvements and alignment on design decisions.
  • Implementation Phase: Numerical value retrieval methods (font size, color, margin, corner radius, shadow), implementation using Tailwind classes. This phase highlights the technical aspects of implementing designs from Figma, focusing on accurate value retrieval and the use of Tailwind classes. By leveraging Figma's Dev Mode, developers can obtain precise design specifications, ensuring accurate implementation and consistency across the project. The use of Tailwind classes further streamlines the development process by providing a standardized approach to styling.
  • Asset Export Phase: Export → design/exports/ → Optimization → public/images/. This phase outlines the process of exporting assets from Figma, optimizing them, and integrating them into the project. Proper asset management is essential for maintaining project performance and ensuring that all assets are readily available when needed. By following this structured approach, the team can efficiently manage and utilize assets throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Operational Points: Focused on reference use, maintaining flexibility, and continuing LINE communication. These operational points emphasize the practical aspects of using Figma within the project, highlighting the importance of flexibility and communication. By focusing on reference use and maintaining open communication channels, the team can effectively integrate Figma without disrupting existing workflows. These guidelines ensure that Figma is used in a way that complements the project's goals and enhances team collaboration.
3. Added New Directory Structure Section
design/
├── figma/
│   └── README.md         # Figma link collection
└── exports/              # Figma Exported Assets
    ├── images/          # Image assets (PNG/JPG)
    └── graphics/        # Vector graphics (SVG)

This section defines the directory structure for managing Figma files and exported assets, ensuring organization and easy access. A well-defined directory structure is crucial for maintaining project organization and facilitating collaboration among team members. By establishing a clear and consistent structure, the team can easily locate and manage Figma files and exported assets, streamlining the development process.

4. Expanded Color Management Section
  • Added instructions for linking with Figma Color Styles. This ensures consistency in color usage throughout the project, reducing discrepancies and enhancing the overall design coherence.
  • A 4-step procedure for synchronizing with Tailwind settings is specified: This step-by-step guide simplifies the process of synchronizing Figma Color Styles with Tailwind settings, ensuring a seamless transition from design to implementation.
    1. Get HEX code from Figma Dev Mode
    2. Update tailwind.config.mjs
    3. Run npm run build
    4. Share preview URL with the designer
5. Expanded Document Structure Section
  • Added links to existing Figma-related documents:
    • 画像からFigma作成ガイド.md (Guide to Creating Figma from Images)
    • デザイナーとの協業ガイド_ソース管理編_2025.md (Collaboration Guide with Designers_Source Management Edition_2025)

Linking related documents ensures that team members have access to all relevant information, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the Figma workflow and related processes. This centralized access to documentation streamlines the onboarding process and supports ongoing collaboration within the team.

6. Updated External Service Usage Section
  • Figma has been added as a required service.
  • It is stated that the free plan (3 files, unlimited viewers) can be continued.
  • Added "Figma can continue with the free plan (for reference purposes)" to the billing prospects.

This update clarifies Figma's role as a required service and confirms that the free plan is sufficient for the project's needs. This ensures that the team can leverage Figma's capabilities without incurring additional costs. By explicitly stating the use of the free plan, the project can effectively manage its resources while still benefiting from Figma's features.

Future Tasks

The following tasks are planned to further enhance the Figma workflow and project organization: These tasks are designed to build upon the initial implementation of the Figma workflow, focusing on environmental preparation and organizational improvements. By proactively addressing these tasks, the team can ensure a smooth and efficient transition to the new workflow, maximizing the benefits of Figma integration.

A. Directory Structure Preparation

  • [ ] Create the design/ directory This is the first step in establishing the new directory structure, providing a central location for all design-related files and assets.
  • [ ] Create design/figma/, design/exports/images/, and design/exports/graphics/. These subdirectories will house Figma files, exported images, and graphics, respectively, ensuring a well-organized and easily navigable file system.

B. Creating a Figma Link Collection

  • [ ] Create design/figma/README.md This file will serve as a central repository for Figma links, access permissions, and usage guidelines, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.
    • List of project Figma shared links
    • Access permission management method
    • Simple guide on how to use Dev Mode

C. Organizing Existing Design Files

  • [ ] Review mockup images in frontEndDesign/ This step involves assessing existing design assets and determining their relevance and compatibility with the new Figma workflow.
  • [ ] Consider whether import to Figma is necessary (consult with the designer). This decision will be made in consultation with the designer, ensuring that the import process aligns with the project's design needs and priorities.

D. Trial Workflow Operation

  • [ ] Apply the Figma workflow experimentally during the next design change. This trial period will allow the team to test the new workflow in a real-world scenario, identifying any potential issues and areas for improvement.
  • [ ] Practice value acquisition from Dev Mode This hands-on experience will help developers become proficient in using Figma's Dev Mode to extract design specifications accurately.
  • [ ] Consider improvements if there are any problems Addressing any issues that arise during the trial period will ensure that the Figma workflow is optimized for the project's specific needs.

Completion Conditions

The following conditions must be met to ensure the successful implementation of the Figma workflow: These completion conditions provide a clear set of milestones and objectives, ensuring that the project stays on track and delivers the expected outcomes. By defining these conditions, the team can effectively measure progress and identify any areas that require additional attention.

Phase 1: Document Preparation ✅ Completed

  • [x] Updated CLAUDE.md (6 locations) This milestone signifies the completion of the documentation updates required to support the Figma workflow.
  • [x] Reflected changes in development policy This ensures that the project's development policies are aligned with the new Figma workflow.
  • [x] Documented Figma workflow Documenting the Figma workflow provides a clear reference for team members, ensuring consistency and facilitating adoption.

Phase 2: Environmental Preparation (Next Step)

  • [ ] Create design/ directory structure Completing the directory structure is crucial for organizing Figma files and assets, ensuring easy access and collaboration.
  • [ ] Create design/figma/README.md This file will serve as a central repository for Figma links, access permissions, and usage guidelines, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.
  • [ ] Decide on a policy for organizing existing design files This decision will determine how existing design assets are integrated into the new Figma workflow.

Phase 3: Trial Operation (During the Next Design Change)

  • [ ] Practice Figma workflow This trial period will allow the team to test the new workflow in a real-world scenario, identifying any potential issues and areas for improvement.
  • [ ] Identify and improve problems Addressing any issues that arise during the trial period will ensure that the Figma workflow is optimized for the project's specific needs.
  • [ ] Workflow optimization Optimizing the workflow based on feedback and experience will ensure that it meets the project's specific needs and enhances efficiency.

Expected Effects

Implementing the Figma workflow is expected to yield the following benefits: These expected effects highlight the positive outcomes of adopting the Figma workflow, emphasizing improved design accuracy, communication efficiency, and asset management.

Improved Implementation Accuracy

  • Accurate numerical values for font sizes and margins This ensures that design specifications are accurately translated into the final product.
  • Elimination of color designation mismatches By leveraging Figma's color styles and Dev Mode, the team can avoid inconsistencies and ensure accurate color usage throughout the project.
  • Improved consistency with design comps This contributes to a more polished and professional final product.

Communication Efficiency

  • Specific instructions such as "Change to 20px" are possible Facilitating clear and precise communication between designers and developers reduces ambiguity and streamlines the implementation process.
  • Reduction of discrepancies in understanding between designers and engineers This enhanced communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, minimizing misunderstandings and rework.
  • Asynchronous feedback via Figma comment function The Figma comment function enables asynchronous feedback, allowing team members to provide input and collaborate without the need for real-time meetings.

Improved Asset Management

  • Consistent image export using the Export function This ensures that all assets are exported in a consistent format and quality, streamlining the asset management process.
  • Easy management of multiple resolutions (@1x, @2x) Figma's asset management capabilities simplify the process of managing assets across multiple resolutions, ensuring that the project looks great on all devices.
  • Accurate acquisition of SVG assets Figma's SVG export functionality ensures that vector graphics are accurately exported and readily available for use in the project.

Notes

  • Operating with the Figma free plan (3 files). This ensures that the project can leverage Figma's capabilities without incurring additional costs.
  • No need to build a full-fledged design system for reference purposes. Focusing on reference use allows the project to leverage Figma's capabilities without the overhead of building a full-fledged design system.
  • Leverage within the range that does not impair the efficiency of the friend price project. This ensures that the Figma workflow is implemented in a way that complements the project's goals and enhances efficiency.
  • Gradually expand the scope of utilization (consider transitioning to Level 2 if necessary). This phased approach allows the team to adapt to the new workflow and expand its utilization as needed, ensuring a smooth and sustainable transition.

Conclusion

Implementing a Figma workflow can significantly enhance team collaboration, design accuracy, and asset management. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your team can seamlessly integrate Figma into your projects and maximize its benefits. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the workflow are addressed, from initial documentation to ongoing optimization. Embrace the future of design collaboration and take your projects to the next level with Figma! For more in-depth information and best practices, consider exploring resources such as Figma's official website.