In this section, we will explore how to use variants in Figma to create dynamic and flexible prototypes. Variants allow you to manage different states of a component, such as buttons with different styles or forms with various input states, all within a single component set. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining consistency and efficiency in your design process.

1. Variants Overview

   • Variants are different versions of a component that can be used interchangeably.
   • They help manage complex design systems by grouping similar components together.

2. Creating Variants

   • Variants are created by adding multiple states to a single component set.
   • Each variant can have different properties, such as color, size, or interaction states.

3. Using Variants in Prototyping

   • Variants can be used to simulate user interactions, such as hover effects or toggling between states.
   • They enhance the realism of prototypes by allowing dynamic changes based on user actions.

Let's create a button component with two variants: a default state and a hover state.

1. Create a Button Component

   - Draw a rectangle on the canvas.
   - Add text inside the rectangle (e.g., "Button").
   - Select both the rectangle and text, then right-click and choose "Create Component."
   

2. Add Variants

   • With the component selected, click on the "Variants" button in the right-hand panel.
   • This will create a new variant within the component set.

3. Design the Variants

   • Default State: Keep the original design.
   • Hover State: Select the second variant and change the fill color to a lighter shade to indicate a hover effect.

4. Set Up Prototype Interactions

   • Go to the "Prototype" tab.
   • Select the default variant and drag a connection to the hover variant.
   • Set the interaction to "While hovering" and choose "Change to" the hover variant.

Here's a visual representation of how the variants might look in Figma:

Task: Create a toggle switch with two variants: "On" and "Off."

1. Create the Base Component

   • Draw a rounded rectangle for the switch background.
   • Add a smaller circle for the toggle.

2. Add Variants

   • Create two variants: one for the "On" state and one for the "Off" state.

3. Design the Variants

   • On State: Position the circle on the right side and change the background color to green.
   • Off State: Position the circle on the left side and change the background color to gray.

4. Prototype the Interaction

   • Set up an interaction to toggle between the "On" and "Off" states when clicked.

• On State:
  • Background: Green
  • Circle Position: Right
• Off State:
  • Background: Gray
  • Circle Position: Left

• Mistake: Forgetting to set the interaction type correctly. Ensure you choose the right trigger (e.g., "While hovering" or "On click").
• Tip: Use consistent naming conventions for your variants to keep your design system organized.

By mastering variants in Figma, you can create more dynamic and interactive prototypes that closely mimic real-world applications. This not only improves the design process but also enhances communication with stakeholders and developers. In the next section, we will delve into advanced animation techniques to further elevate your prototyping skills.