In this section, we will explore how to enhance your prototypes in Figma by using overlays and transitions. These features allow you to create more dynamic and interactive prototypes, which can simulate real-world user interactions more effectively.

1. Overlays:

   • Overlays are additional frames that appear on top of the current screen. They are useful for creating modals, pop-ups, and dropdown menus.
   • Overlays can be positioned relative to the current frame and can be dismissed by clicking outside the overlay or by a specific action.

2. Transitions:

   • Transitions define how the change from one frame to another occurs. They can include animations such as slide, dissolve, or move in.
   • Transitions help in creating a smooth user experience by visually connecting different states of the prototype.

Let's create a simple overlay for a modal dialog in a prototype.

1. Create the Base Frame:

   • Start by creating a frame that represents your main screen. This could be a simple mobile or web layout.

2. Design the Overlay Frame:

   • Create a new frame that will serve as your overlay. Design it to look like a modal dialog, including elements like a title, body text, and a close button.

3. Set Up the Overlay Interaction:

   • Select the element (e.g., a button) on your base frame that will trigger the overlay.
   • In the Prototype tab, drag a connection from this element to the overlay frame.
   • Choose "Open overlay" from the interaction details.
   • Configure the overlay settings, such as position (centered, top, bottom) and background (dim background).

4. Dismiss the Overlay:

   • To allow users to close the overlay, add an interaction to the close button within the overlay frame.
   • Set this interaction to "Close overlay."

Now, let's add a transition between two frames to simulate a page change.

1. Create Two Frames:

   • Design two frames that represent different states or pages of your application.

2. Set Up the Transition:

   • Select an element on the first frame that will trigger the transition.
   • In the Prototype tab, drag a connection to the second frame.
   • Choose a transition type, such as "Slide In" or "Dissolve."

3. Configure Transition Details:

   • Adjust the duration and easing of the transition to achieve the desired effect.

• Task: Design a dropdown menu that appears when a button is clicked.
• Steps:
  1. Create a button on your main frame.
  2. Design a dropdown menu as a separate frame.
  3. Set up the overlay interaction to display the dropdown when the button is clicked.

• Task: Create a transition effect between a login page and a dashboard.
• Steps:
  1. Design a login page and a dashboard page.
  2. Set up a button on the login page to transition to the dashboard.
  3. Choose a transition effect and configure its settings.

Solution 1: Dropdown Menu Overlay

• Prototype Settings:
  • Trigger: Button on Main Frame
  • Action: Open overlay
  • Overlay Frame: Dropdown Menu
  • Position: Below button
  • Background: None

Solution 2: Page Transition

• Prototype Settings:
  • Trigger: Login Button on Login Page
  • Action: Navigate to Dashboard
  • Transition: Slide Left
  • Duration: 400ms
  • Easing: Ease Out

• Mistake: Forgetting to set the overlay to close.

  • Tip: Always ensure there is a way to dismiss overlays, either by clicking outside or a close button.

• Mistake: Overusing transitions, which can make the prototype feel sluggish.

  • Tip: Use transitions sparingly and ensure they enhance the user experience rather than detract from it.

By mastering overlays and transitions, you can create more engaging and realistic prototypes in Figma. These tools allow you to simulate complex interactions and provide a better understanding of how your design will function in a real-world scenario. In the next section, we will explore prototyping with variants, which will further enhance your ability to create dynamic and flexible designs.