This article shows how to use UI design tools like Figma or Sketch to create detailed, interactive UX maps.
Interactive features are especially helpful for research-based maps that show how people experience a product or service, such as customer journey maps and experience maps. They let readers look at specific user quotes and actions, making the research clearer.
Benefits and Limitations of Interactive Maps
Interactive maps work better for some projects than others. Here, we look at their benefits and drawbacks to help you decide when to use them.
Benefits of Interactive Maps
Bring your research to life with photos and videos.
You can add visual evidence from user research right into your map. Overlays let readers look at media that supports a specific finding without making the main view messy.
Make complex information easier to understand.
Well-designed interactions help readers move through large maps and compare different user journeys. Filters can highlight a certain persona or theme, and overlays give extra evidence and context for each finding.
Limitations of Interactive Maps
Interactive maps take extra time and effort.
Before adding interactions, think about your map’s scope, budget, and deadline. If you already have a finished static map and a stakeholder presentation is coming up soon, it might be better to focus on other improvements. For small or low-priority projects, building an interactive map from scratch may not be needed.
There is a learning curve.
To create good interactions, you need to be comfortable with your design tool. If you are not, you might end up with a map that confuses or frustrates people. Because stakeholders shape your project, unclear interactions can make it harder for them to understand and act on your findings.
As you learn, start with a tool you know to make a clear, noninteractive UX map. A well-organized static map can share insights just as well. To get better at interactive design, check out free resources like Figma’s YouTube channel, ProtoPie School, and Sketch Guides & Courses.
How to Create an Interactive UX Map
If you decide an interactive UX map fits your project, follow these steps to get started. This guide uses Figma, so some features might be different or missing in other design tools.
Start by organizing your research into a simple, low-fidelity map. Before making a polished interactive version, gather your data in a basic map that links each finding to its evidence. This makes it easier to trace insights back to your research. For example, if users worry about the cost of new software, add a link to the related participant video or note its filename so you can find it later when building the interactive map.
Set up a visual design system. If you have brand guidelines or a component library, use them as your base. Using existing assets saves time and keeps things consistent. If you are making a system just for maps, decide on the typography, colors, icons, and components you need, like buttons, filters, and accordions, along with their different states. In Figma, organize reusable assets with text and color styles, variables, and component libraries. Building this structure early makes your map easier to create and update, and helps future projects get started faster.
Group map elements by theme or type, like videos and photos. In Figma, use sections to keep related materials together and label them clearly so you can find them easily. In other design tools, use whatever organizing features are available to keep your file tidy. A clear structure saves time when you build and update your map.
Use auto layout to build a flexible structure. Set up auto layout frames for the main parts of your map, like headers, swim lanes, quadrants, and any other needed components. Focus on making an adaptable framework before adding details. Auto layout keeps everything lined up and moves things as content changes. It is especially helpful for expandable parts like accordions, since items below will move down to make space for new text.
Swap out placeholders for your real content. When your structure is set, add the correct text and icons to your map. Change prompts like “Write a theme here” to something specific, such as “Defining parameters for a new plan.” Update any temporary icons to fit the content, using Figma’s Swap Instance feature if needed. Finish adding all your content before you start on interactions. This makes it easier to revise and avoids repeating changes on multiple pages.
Add interactions to bring your map to life. After your content is ready, switch to Figma’s prototype mode to connect interactive elements and set how they work. If you have a design system, it might already include some ready-made interactions to help you work faster.
Test your map and fix any problems. Check each interaction as you build it to catch mistakes early. When the design and interactions are finished, have at least one other person test the map before you share it more widely. A new set of eyes can spot confusing parts or missed bugs. Consistent naming is important in Figma. If something doesn't work as expected, check the main component, variant properties, and layer names for issues.
Turning Your Map into a Reusable Template
Making your first interactive map takes time, but it gives you a base for future work. Save the frame structure and remove any project-specific content to make a reusable template. Add notes that explain the components, interactions, and any limits so others can use it easily. Share your components and styles in your team’s design library so everyone can find and reuse them.
Conclusion
Think about the pros and cons of an interactive UX map before you spend time building one. Focus on your audience’s needs, and make sure navigation is clear and interactions are easy to use. Well-designed interactivity can help stakeholders connect with your findings and explore the research behind them.
Dworkz is a UI/UX design and development firm based in San Francisco, focused on data-driven B2B SaaS companies. If your team is struggling with software delivery, reach out to us.
