One of the important components in the development of mobile applications is its design. Design, in general, consists of prototyping and creating final layouts. So, today we will talk about 10 tools that are a “musthave" for a ui / ux designer.
1. Marvel
This is one of the best tools that allows you to combine all the design elements in one place. You will not need for this additional purchase of expensive and difficult to learn software. This platform will be especially useful if you are developing an application for the Apple App Store.
Prototypes compatible with:
- iPhone
- iPad
- Apple Watch
- Apple TV
- Macbook
You can remotely demonstrate your work to the customer directly on his device, which is undoubtedly very convenient.
2. Sketch
Sketch is another essential tool in the designer's arsenal. It has similar functions to Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, but is designed for UX and UI designers and weighs many times less and works many times faster. Sketch is great for designing and rendering various interface elements, prototyping, and for all the basic needs of a designer.
In this application, the process of creating a wireframe is much faster than in the same Photoshop or Illustrator. The ability to quickly prepare a project for transfer to someone, for example, in the development department is another indisputable plus of this software.
Many applications familiar to designers have the ability to import designs from a sketch layout. This will save a lot of precious time, for example, to load a ready-made design layout in the software for working out animations on screens.
In our opinion, this is one of the best tools on the market for the design of application interfaces.
By the way, if you are looking for a similar online cross-platform analogue of Sketch, then this is undoubtedly Figma, which interface designers all over the world have loved.
3. Photoshop
Photoshop is a classic tool for designers. Over the years, it has improved significantly. This is no longer software that is simply designed to cut and paste pictures. Now this software package can be used by both an artist and a ui / ux designer.
We will not delve into the detailed description of this software, just assure you that it is a “musthave” on any PC.
4. IconJar
Different icons - this is what should always be at hand for interface designers.
IconJar is an organizer where you can store your collection of icons.
Agree, it’s very inconvenient when you have to look for something that is somewhere on your computer in the tenth subfolder of the folder that is in the house that Jack built, and you just can’t find it.
IconJar solves this problem, we recommend.
5. Pen and notebook
Do not underestimate simplicity!
When an idea comes to your mind, you don’t always need to run to a computer, phone or tablet. Our designers carry a pen and notebook with them to quickly write down their thoughts and draw when something comes to mind.
We recommend using a pen and a piece of paper before you start typing anything into a computer program. After all, this is a great chance to collect your thoughts and imagine how you want to see your design before you start work.
Perhaps for some, especially technologists, the iPad and Apple Pencil will more effectively replace the pen and notebook.
6. Axure RP
As you already noticed, many of the tools on this list are designed for specific stages of creating design layouts.
But Axure RP is one of the best tools for prototyping an application from start to finish.
Some of its main features include:
- frames;
- schemes;
- boards of ideas;
- maps of user behavior;
- charts.
Perhaps ARP will become your new favorite, combining attractive cost and stunning functionality.
Even if you are new to design, you don’t have to worry about understanding how the various functions of this software work.
7. Principle
This tool is ideal for designing various animations of a mobile application. It is easy to use and does not require much training.
But you can make your application more dynamic and lively, although some people think that a flat application is better perceived.
As they say the taste and color are all enemies!
8. Adobe XD
This is another one of our favorites, which we use to create prototypes of applications and sites. It has a very extensive functionality and modular plug-in system, which created a great mass. And the wonderful ready-made guides from Apple & Google are already adapted for this software, so all that remains is to drag the elements onto your prototype. In the opinion of some of our designers, this tool is even more “mutshave” than Axure RP.
9. InVision
InVision takes your design to the next level. You can take a static prototype and turn it into a clickable one.
You also have the option to import design files and custom animations.
In this application, you can create both animated prototypes and layout designs, which is a comprehensive solution and can be used without any other tools.
In addition, InVision provides for the possibility of joint work on a project that will allow you to quickly make changes to the project.
10. HotGloo
This is a web-based prototype application tool. It will be especially convenient for specialists who regularly move and do not always have at hand the same device for work. I just went to the site and continued to work even from a tablet, even from a friend’s or girlfriend’s laptop.
Conclusion
Today, the market for software for UI / UX designers is very large, because the above 10 is just the top of the tip of the iceberg. Therefore, you can choose the software for yourself in accordance with your financial capabilities, needs and other Wishlist.
By the way, we did not go into a detailed description of the functional, because we want you to choose your tool yourself, and our task is to guide you on the true path =)
And what is your favorite tool for creating prototypes and layouts for mobile app design? Write your answers in the comments.
