Maze displays the prototype exactly as it appears in your Figma file, allowing testers to see any changes immediately.
Significant changes to a Figma file linked to a live maze might break the defined paths within the maze. This can compromise the usability of the test and the accuracy of the results.
For example, removing a screen or an interaction that’s part of a path may make it impossible for testers to complete the maze successfully.
Be careful about making substantial changes to files, to ensure the maze remains functional and delivers reliable results data.
Changing a Figma file after publishing the maze
Live embed (default)
For any mazes created after Wednesday, September 12, 2023, Maze displays the prototype exactly as it is in your Figma file.
Any changes in the linked Figma file will appear immediately to testers. Significant changes to the prototype may break defined paths in your maze.
Static embed (legacy)
If you’re working on an older maze using the legacy static embed, you can only refresh a prototype when the maze is in a draft state.
After sending the maze live, updating the prototype requires duplicating the maze, refreshing the prototype, and publishing the newest version.
What’s a breaking change?
Maze warns about breaking changes when you change a prototype that’s linked to a live maze, and these changes prevent testers from testing altogether because the success paths you have defined are not accessible.
This includes:
- The permissions settings to a Figma file linked to a live maze changed in a way that prevents testers from accessing the file.
- A screen that’s part of a defined path is removed from the Figma prototype.
- A screen that’s part of a defined path is inaccessible. For example, due to a missing interaction.
Prevent potential breaking changes in your files
Our advice for a smooth experience:
- Create a dedicated page for testing in Maze, and clearly note that the prototype is linked to a live maze.
- You can safely make small changes (e.g., fixing typos or adding hotspots) that don’t disrupt interactions.
- Avoid making significant changes to files linked to a live maze. This includes deleting screens, changing interactions or interactive components, altering screen layouts, etc. Such changes may cause a large discrepancy between your file and the data available to Maze, and cause issues such as broken paths or incorrect heatmaps in the results.
- If you need to make significant changes, we highly recommend duplicating the maze and publishing it with the new prototype version.
- Be extra cautious when using the Maze plugin to import prototypes. Due to technical restrictions, it’s not possible to identify any breaking changes when importing via the plugin.
What happens if Maze detects a change in the Figma file?
If a potential breaking change is detected, Maze automatically stops collecting new results.
This avoids scenarios where participants are prevented from testing accurately, and reduces the risk of wasting panel credits on a test that doesn’t capture the data you intended to collect.
When results collection is stopped, any active hired tester orders also stop, and any unused credits will be returned to your balance.
Participants
Participants won’t be able to access the live maze, with the following error appearing when they launch the maze:
This maze can’t be explored right now We’ve let the maze creator know and it should be fixed soon. Refresh this page and try again in a few minutes
Maze editors
The person who imported the Figma prototype will receive an email notification warning about the changes that have been detected:
If the file permissions were changed to private:
We paused collecting responses for your maze because your prototype permissions changed
If there was a change in the prototype:
We paused collecting responses for your maze because there was a change in the prototype
Restart testing after reverting a breaking change
If testing stopped because of a change in file permissions, change them back to Anyone with the link can view (or a supported permission).
If testing stops due to prototype changes, undo the changes in Figma. If you can’t bring the prototype back to its original state, we recommend duplicating the maze and refreshing the prototype.
Once you’ve taken the appropriate steps, you can restart the maze via the maze settings to resume collecting results.
Still need help?
If you have any questions or concerns, please let our Support team know — we'll be happy to help!