7 common mistakes to avoid in figma prototype testing

figma prototype

Creating user-centric digital products is more important than ever, and Figma prototype testing has become a valuable tool for achieving this goal. 

As one of the most widely used platforms for designing and testing prototypes, Figma allows designers to bring their ideas to life and gather essential user feedback. 

However, despite its capabilities, mistakes made during the testing process can often lead to misleading insights or missed opportunities for improvement.

This article highlights seven common mistakes designers make during Figma prototype testing and offers practical solutions to overcome them. 

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can optimise your testing process, gather more meaningful feedback, and refine your designs to create better digital experiences.

Mistake 1: Neglecting to prepare the Figma file properly

One of the most common mistakes in Figma prototype testing is not preparing the file properly before sharing it with participants. 

A prototype cluttered with unnecessary elements or overloaded with complex designs can slow down performance and confuse testers. This disrupts the testing process and affects the quality of feedback you receive.

To avoid this, start by creating a dedicated testing file. Include only the essential frames and flows for the test, and remove any irrelevant elements that might distract participants. 

Compress large images to improve loading times and consider simplifying custom fonts to ensure the prototype runs smoothly.

Before inviting participants to test, take a moment to interact with the prototype yourself. Testing it personally helps you identify and fix any issues. 

Mistake 2: Forgetting to optimise prototype settings for testing

Another frequent error in Figma prototype testing is failing to optimise the prototype settings before sharing it with participants. This oversight can lead to confusion, disrupt the testing process, and result in unreliable feedback. Issues like incorrect device framing, mismatched interaction settings, or an unclear starting frame can leave testers struggling to navigate the prototype. To prevent this, ensure the prototype is set up correctly for the type of device being tested, whether it’s desktop, mobile, or tablet. 

Align the interaction settings with the testing goals, making it easy for participants to explore the prototype naturally. 

Before sharing the prototype, use Figma’s preview mode to experience it as a participant would. This step allows you to catch and fix any inconsistencies or navigation issues, ensuring a smoother and more intuitive testing experience. 

Mistake 3: Designing unclear tasks for testers

Creating vague or overly complicated tasks is a common mistake in Figma prototype testing. When participants don’t understand what’s expected of them, they may struggle to complete the tasks, and the feedback you receive could be unreliable or irrelevant.

To avoid this, write instructions that are specific and actionable. For instance, instead of saying, “Explore the page,” try a more detailed directive like, “Locate the contact information and describe the process you would follow to get in touch.” 

It’s also helpful to include a brief introduction at the beginning of the test. This introduction can provide context for the prototype and explain what participants will be doing.

Mistake 4: Not linking screens correctly

In Figma prototype testing, broken or disconnected links between screens can significantly disrupt the tester’s experience. When interactions don’t work as intended, participants may struggle to complete tasks, leaving you with incomplete or inaccurate feedback.

To prevent this, it’s essential to ensure all screens and interactions are properly linked in your prototype. Take the time to navigate through the design yourself, mimicking the steps a participant would take. This helps you identify any gaps or errors in the user flow.

Using Figma’s Prototype tab, you can preview the prototype and test all interactions. This feature allows you to debug any issues before sharing the prototype with participants. 

Mistake 5: Overloading testers with too many screens or tasks

When a prototype includes too many screens or overly complex tasks, testers can become fatigued, leading to rushed or incomplete feedback that doesn’t truly reflect their experience.

To avoid this, focus on the key flows or features you want to test. Keep the prototype concise and ensure the tasks align closely with your research objectives. 

If you need to test multiple design aspects, consider breaking the session into smaller, more manageable parts. Running shorter sessions over time helps maintain participant focus and provides more reliable feedback.

By prioritising what’s most important for your testing goals, you can create a streamlined experience that captures meaningful insights while keeping testers engaged and productive.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the importance of participant selection

Testing with individuals who do not match your target audience can lead to irrelevant feedback, which may misguide your design decisions.

To avoid this, it’s essential to use demographic filters and screener questions during recruitment. These steps help ensure that participants align with your ideal user profile. 

For example, asking questions like, “What devices do you commonly use for online shopping?” can help determine whether a participant’s habits match your product’s intended audience.

Leveraging verified participant recruitment platforms can further streamline the process. These platforms are designed to help you accurately target users representing your customer base, saving time and effort while ensuring relevant feedback. 

Mistake 7: Overlooking follow-up questions and feedback analysis

A common oversight in Figma prototype testing is neglecting to include follow-up questions or thoroughly analyse the feedback gathered. This can result in missed opportunities to uncover deeper insights about your design.

Open-ended follow-up questions are especially valuable as they allow participants to share detailed thoughts about their experiences. 

Once the feedback is collected, taking the time to analyse responses is essential. Look for recurring themes, usability trends, and patterns in participant behaviour. This analysis helps you understand how users interact with your prototype and provides actionable insights to refine your design further.

Closing thoughts

Addressing these common mistakes can significantly improve your Figma prototype testing process. Applying these tips will help ensure a smoother testing experience and lead to more reliable, meaningful feedback from your participants.

It’s also worth exploring user testing tools that integrate seamlessly with Figma, as they can enhance your testing efforts’ efficiency and effectiveness. 

Start incorporating these strategies into your workflow, and watch your designs become more intuitive and aligned with user needs.

Lucas Carter
Lucas Carter
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