When Axure is the better tool for prototyping than Figma
In the last couple of years, we saw significant growth in using Figma in the design industry. Just a few years ago, in 2017, InVision was the tool to use, but Figma became the beloved darling of many users — and for a reason. Figma is easy to use, may be used for wireframing to high-fidelity prototypes and has an active community behind it. Further, its animation has become more sophisticated [1]. Therefore, Figma has become our preferred tool for designing and quick prototyping. Nevertheless, there are occasions when Axure is the better option, even though mastering it might take some time. But when is it better to choose Axure than Figma?
When to choose Axure
It is easy to get carried away by the newest, shiniest tools that supposedly let you design prototypes even faster and better. Although it might be tempting to get caught up in the excitement of the latest and greatest software tools, it is important to evaluate carefully the benefits and drawbacks before switching completely to a different tool. A new tool does not necessarily have to fully substitute an existing tool. Also, consider that you first have to learn a new tool which entails further costs. Compatibility with currents systems might also cause issues. Therefore, it is crucial to understand, when to use what tool. In this blog post, we discuss the occasions when Axure is the better tool to pick than Figma and why.
More realistic prototypes
The first occasion is when you create complex prototypes. While Figma is great for design systems, visual design and collaboration, its prototyping capabilities are limited. A flow in Figma is sometimes enough to showcase the project to a client. However, suppose you know that you will need a more complex prototype. Then, Axure might be the tool of your choice as it allows, for example, “real” input fields that will enable the user to fill in a form or enter data and do calculations with that data. A practical example would be when showcasing a different screen based on the inputs in fields. A prototype like the one below would not be possible in Figma.
Try it yourself: https://2vnb9x.axshare.com/
Download file: https://github.com/ELCAIT/axure-example/blob/main/Elca-Calculations.rp
In Axure, you can perform interactions not only when the user clicks on something, but also when other events occur (like when the page has been loaded or the browser window is scrolled or resized etc.) This is very powerful: In our example, when the user clicks on “Calculate”, the result is saved in a so-called global variable. This is immensely useful for passing values from one page to another. When the user clicks “Go to next page”, the result is retrieved when the page has been loaded and is then used to compose the title string:
So, pick Axure if you need a more realistic and versatile prototype.
More sophisticated and complex animations
Furthermore, Axure’s animations are set up differently. In Figma, you need different screens or overlays to animate the prototype. In contrast, in Axure, you can animate elements on the same screen, which opens up a whole new world of animation options. Although you might need slightly longer to animate your prototype, the result will be again more realistic. While you could animate the boxes in the example here in Figma one after the other, it would not be possible to have the animation running simultaneously. So, if you need more sophisticated and complex animations in your prototype, Axure is a great tool.
Try it yourself: https://uo2rwy.axshare.com/
Download file: https://github.com/ELCAIT/axure-example/blob/main/Elca-Microanimations.rp
Central code management (kind of…)
In addition, Axure offers kind of a central code management. It allows you to store an animation script (and other actions) in a single place. You can pick the referring code whenever you want to use that specific script. If the elements’ animations need adjustment, the code can be changed in a central place according to your wishes. All features will adopt it without spending time copying/pasting the animation to every element. This way, you save a lot of time.
For example, how would you trigger the same animation from different locations in Figma, as shown in the example here (buttons, text links, keystrokes…), without copy / pasting animations?
Try it yourself: https://1x9u54.axshare.com/
Download file: https://github.com/ELCAIT/axure-example/blob/main/Elca-Fire-Events.rp
The user can drop the square (and reset the animation) by using a button, a text link or a keystroke. The script is attached to the “Central Code” object:
All we need to do is fire the event from wherever it is required:
If we now need to adjust the numbers, let us say speed up the timing from 1000ms to 500ms; it only needs to be modified in a single location. Sweet!
Need for high security
Working with regular cloud-based tools is impossible because some customers require strong non-disclosure agreements (NDA). So you may need a solution that appreciates enterprises’ needs. This is where Axure comes in handy, too. The tool has to be downloaded, and regular Axure files (.rp) can be saved anywhere (locally or in the cloud). The files are hosted on the Axure cloud if you work in a team. The generated HTML can also be hosted on a custom domain if needed. But do not worry; Axure offers an enterprise option with robust and secure hosting options. That is why we choose Axure whenever higher security standards apply.
Conclusion
Figma has become the “go-to” tool in UI and UX design, despite its more basic animation options. In general, thinking twice before ditching a software tool completely in favour of something new and shiny is a smart decision-making process. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks, consider the cost, learning curve, and compatibility with your other software, before moving to a new tool. Knowing when to use which tool is key to avoid unnecessary issues when prototyping. There are occasions when the older tool, like Axure, might be the better choice. We choose Figma for straightforward prototypes and design concepts. However, if we need to create a more sophisticated and complex prototype, or are in need of a high security standard, Axure is still our favourite tool. So, next time you plan a project, choose your tool wisely and do not discard Axure too quickly for Figma and Co. as it offers great options which make your prototypes even better.
