Figma Classes Chicago

A Comprehensive Guide to Figma Classes in Chicago

Learning Figma can significantly enhance your skills in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, making you an invaluable asset in the digital design landscape. This guide provides thorough insights into what you will learn in Figma classes, the schools offering these courses, their costs, benefits, job prospects, and the overall value of enrolling in a Figma program.

What Will You Learn in Figma Classes?

Figma classes offer an extensive curriculum focusing on design and prototyping skills required in digital design environments. Students will gain hands-on experience with various functionalities of Figma that are paramount in creating, evaluating, and refining user interfaces.

Understanding Figma's interface: Students will familiarize themselves with navigating Figma's design environment.
Creating designs using vector graphics: Detailed instructions on using shapes, lines, and colors for creating visual elements.
Building interactive prototypes: Students will learn how to create clickable processes to simulate user experiences.
Collaborative design concepts: Emphasis on teamwork where students will share designs and get feedback in real-time.
Learning about components: How to create and manage reusable elements effectively within projects.
Working with exports and prototypes: Exporting assets and creating presentation prototypes for sharing with clients.
Usability testing techniques: Training on conducting tests to assess the user-friendliness of the designs created.
Integrating design principles: Introduction to design fundamentals such as color theory, layout, typography, and accessibility guidelines.

Which Schools Offer Figma Training?

Chicago features several reputable institutions that provide Figma training, both in-person and online. These schools offer diverse courses tailored to different skill levels and career paths in design.

Noble Desktop: Located in New York but offers extensive online programs, Noble Desktop provides various Figma classes including masterclasses and bootcamp-style training, focusing on practical skills and industry standards.
General Assembly: A prominent name in tech education, General Assembly's UX Design Bootcamp includes comprehensive Figma training alongside other relevant digital design tools, enhancing student portfolios.
Brainstation: Offering a UI Design course that incorporates Figma into its curriculum, Brainstation prepares students for real-world applications through hands-on learning experiences.
Lumanbrite: Known for its Figma Training Bootcamp, Lumenbrite provides tailored training focusing on creating and prototyping mockups and is available online for greater accessibility.
City Lit: Based in London but offering live online sessions, City Lit presents a course that covers UI design fundamentals using Figma, allowing for practical applications and comprehensive instruction.

The 5 Best Figma Courses and Bootcamps

Chicago's educational landscape offers several high-quality Figma courses designed to equip aspiring designers with essential skills. Here are the five best options available.

Noble Desktop Figma Bootcamp: A 12-hour course costing $695, this bootcamp covers fundamentals like creating realistic prototypes and animations, suitable for beginners.
Noble Desktop Figma Masterclass: With 18 hours of instruction priced at $995, this course merges beginner and advanced concepts, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their skills further.
General Assembly UX Design Bootcamp: Priced at $16,450 over 12 weeks, this immersive bootcamp includes Figma training within a broader curriculum focusing on UX design practices.
Brainstation UI Design Course: This comprehensive program costs $3,250 with multiple sessions, covering UI design tools including Figma and emphasizing practical project work.
Lumenbrite Figma Training Bootcamp: Offered at $1,295, this course spans multiple sessions focusing on fundamental aspects of Figma for creating mockups and prototyping.

Cost of Classes and Factors Affecting Pricing

Figma courses in Chicago vary widely in terms of cost, influenced by factors such as class duration, underlying curriculum, and the reputation of the offering school. Prices typically range from about $200 to $16,500 depending on the depth and breadth of the program.

Prices for individual courses can start around $200 to $600, while comprehensive bootcamps can exceed $2,000.
Factors such as the duration of the course, materials provided, instructor expertise, and additional support services impact the cost. For example, Noble Desktop's offerings provide options like free retakes and multiple formats (online and in-person).
Higher-tier programs may include extensive industry insights, extensive project work, and personal attention from instructors, which justifies a higher price point.
Many programs offer payment plans or financial aid options to accommodate learners with varied financial means.
Certain programs like General Assembly include career support services such as resume reviews and interviews training that can add to overall course value.
This investment frequently translates into better job prospects and higher starting salaries, reflecting the value of comprehensive training.

Benefits of Taking Figma Classes

Enrolling in Figma classes provides learners with valuable skills and knowledge, forming a foundation for a successful career in design. Courses are structured to address both practical and theoretical aspects of the field.

Enhances design skills: Participants learn the core competencies needed to design effective user interfaces.
Industry relevance: Courses often emphasize current design trends and technologies, preparing students for the modern job market.
Networking opportunities: Participants can connect with peers and industry professionals, potentially opening doors for future collaborations or job opportunities.
Portfolio development: Most courses focus on creating a tangible portfolio which is essential for landing jobs in design.
Career support: Many institutions provide job placement assistance and workshops on resume building and interview preparation.

Jobs, Industries, and Salaries in the Figma Field

Figma skills are increasingly in demand across various industries, offering various job opportunities and attractive salaries for qualified individuals. The landscape is diverse, ranging from user experience roles to broader design positions.

User Experience Designer: Focuses on optimizing product usability and enhancing user satisfaction. Required skills include user research, prototyping, and testing.
Web Designer: Responsible for the layout and visual aspects of websites, knowledge of Figma enhances their ability to create user-friendly sites. Key skills include HTML, CSS, and graphic design.
Digital Designer: Engages with various digital media to execute visual storytelling. Skills needed often include digital illustration and animation techniques.
Design Director: Oversees design teams and projects, managing multiple projects simultaneously. Essential skills include leadership, strategic design thinking, and industry knowledge.

Are the Courses Worth It? Analyzing Value

Whether enrolling in Figma courses is a fruitful decision depends on several factors, including individual career goals, financial considerations, and the specific benefits each program offers. Cost versus return is a significant factor in determining course value.

While initial costs can be substantial, the skills gained from these programs often lead to higher earning potential and job security in a rapidly growing field.
Many programs offer extensive support and hands-on experience, providing students with practical skills that can be immediately applicable in the workforce.
Certificates from reputable institutions enhance resume appeal, often leading to more substantial job offers and better positions within companies.
Networking opportunities provided during courses can catalyze career growth more than self-study options can.
With the tech and design sectors rapidly expanding, the investment into Figma training can yield benefits over time through increased job opportunities and salary growth.
Ultimately, prospective students should weigh their learning preferences, career ambitions, and financial readiness against the featured benefits of each course offered.