After InVision’s Farewell: The Prototyping Revolution with Figma
If you’ve been in design for a while, you probably know InVision. A few years ago, it was the go-to tool for interactive prototyping. We all used it, and it seemed like it would last forever. However, gradually, it lost traction and, by the end of 2024, it finally shut down. So, why did this happen? What changed? And, most importantly, what can we learn from this shift?
At WonderBits, we’ve experienced firsthand how these tools have evolved and, as a result, how design itself has been permanently transformed.
Figma arrived and changed everything.
When Figma first appeared, many thought it was just “another tool,” but it ended up overtaking InVision. It had something powerful:
- Everything was in the cloud.
- You could collaborate with your team in real time.
- Feedback happened instantly.
Suddenly, designers weren’t alone in the process. Product managers, developers, and clients could access, view, comment on, and suggest changes to designs at any moment. This transformed the workflow from slow and linear to a fast, collaborative, and open process, making design a team effort instead of just a single team’s responsibility.
Why has Figma succeeded while other tools haven’t?
Figma’s success is not just due to its aesthetic appeal, but because it truly understood the needs of teams:
⭐ Everyone can work simultaneously.
⭐ Changes are visible in real time, with no versions or confusion.
⭐ No need to download files or follow complicated steps.
InVision and other platforms couldn’t adapt quickly enough, sticking to outdated models that no longer suited modern workflows.
Design is no longer just for designers.
One of the most interesting changes is how tools like Figma have democratized design. Before, prototypes were only handled by designers, but now the whole team is involved:
👩💻 Developers can view the prototype with clear specifications.
📋 Product managers can track the process from the start.
🤝 Clients or investors can test the prototype and provide real feedback.
This reduces errors, speeds up timelines, and improves the final product. When everyone participates from the beginning, problems are easier to spot and fix before it’s too late.
Making a good prototype matters, a lot.
A prototype is not just another step in the process; it is a key tool for validating ideas, aligning the team, and ensuring what is created makes sense for users. To learn more about creating effective prototypes and their benefits, we invite you to read our dedicated article on this topic.
What Can We Learn from InVision’s Fall?
What happened with InVision is an important lesson for anyone working in technology. Indeed, the tools that are essential today can become obsolete tomorrow if they don’t evolve with the needs of their users.
At WonderBits, we are clear on this: it’s not about using the latest trendy tool, but about working in the best possible way, as a team, and with agility. And today, that means using platforms that allow:
• Fast prototyping.
• Collaboration without barriers.
• Listening and adapting design at every stage.
What’s Next?
The world of design continues to evolve. Indeed, new tools are emerging, like Penpot, an open-source alternative that could make waves in the coming years. However, beyond the tools, what matters most is the way we work. In fact, design is no longer a closed and exclusive process. It’s now a collective effort that improves when everyone involved can participate and contribute from the start. Ultimately, because in the end, as we like to say at WonderBits, the best design isn’t necessarily the most beautiful, but the one that works for everyone.
And that can only be achieved by working together.
