In today’s digitally transforming world, time is the real essence. It is no exaggeration especially when it comes to digital publications, web applications, and landing pages. Therefore quick and updated prototyping has gained massive popularity. It involve multiple techniques to be used to rapidly fabricate a scale model using three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) data. It is influential particularly in terms of development and design. In this blog, we have compiled together some of the most preferred prototyping tools for web or app developers and UI/UX designers to empower their design and programming practices. Also read comprehensive guidelines in the Ramotion blog to become a successful UI/UX designer. Are you ready to explore some of the upgraded and new tools? Read On!
Why Prototyping is Important
Prototyping helps in enhanced communication and association between designers and clients. It let you demonstrate the visual model of the final product for better understanding. At the same time, it helps in overcoming any obstacles and shortcomings when real-life testing is being performed. One key benefit is the feedback. Designers and the rest of the team members can easily interact with the prototype and more precisely figure out the areas requiring improvement. Not only it saves you precious time but keeps the cost low. For quality prototyping, it’s important to use the best prototyping tools you would like to consider. You may want to associate with a website development consultant for more information and insights.
1. Sketch
It is no surprise that Sketch is one of the most popular prototyping tools currently in use. This comprehensive vector-based design tool can be easily modified according to the overall layout. Being incredibly rapid and effective, it comes with a simple user interface allowing you to create quality artwork and graphics. Using this tool, you can quickly switch among different screens in no time. Further, it offers many repeating elements such as bars & buttons – How about simple copy-pasting! Homogeneity and reliability are the two foremost qualities to attract you when using this prototype. Overall, it offers ease of use and a high-end user interface to get the job perfectly done.
2. InVision
Proficient designers may not be excellent coders. At times, they require relatively less technical tools and InVision is absolutely one of them. It helps in updating & uploading standing design files to build entirely interactive mock-ups. From integrating hotspots to performing changeovers, think of anything! The tool automatically sync the updated version of your file. Among a number of advanced features, collaboration is something that truly stands out. This primarily includes version controls, comments, and create location-specific threads. This helps in boosting the overall collaborative process and keep yourself more creative and informed.
3. Axure RP
Axure RP is an advanced prototyping tool frequently recommended and used by high-end UX designers. The tool offers powerful functions such as exporting envisaged conditional flow, incorporating vivid animations, encourage data-driven interactions, complete complex projects, and much more. It helps you edit even the minor details in the given project. Providing a professional interface, it assists you to perform complicated operations with ease to create a sophisticated and modernized prototype. Highly recommended to experienced designers!
4. Marvel
Marvel comes with wide-ranging features from designing and prototyping to collaboration and testing. You can quickly formulate design specifications and connect incorporations to empower the workflow. It further offers integrations with Slack, Sketch, G Suite, and many more. You can conveniently come up with interactive designs, dynamic transitions, and bring prototypes to life in real-time. The user testing feature lets you take quick feedback from your customers and stakeholders to incorporate improvements as recommended. Share ideas and notes with team members in no time!
5. UXPin
UXPin is another remarkable prototyping tool for designers incorporating UI element libraries allowing quick access to iOS archives, material design, and multiple available icons. The advanced accessibility lets you view the designs from several color tones and perspectives. The tool is simply more than connecting static screens and offers the capability of using JavaScript to formulate computational components. Another exclusive feature involves conditional interactions integrating the extra layer of logic and create advanced interactions. At the end of the day, you will get a better visualization for all possible user interactions. What’s more? It provides you an effective way to take a look at a prototype and relevant components quickly. Finally, all protocols and assets are located in one place to access the codes and documentation.
6. Framer
If you are looking forward to a comprehensive design platform and advanced prototyping tool, you cannot go wrong with Framer. This powerful tool is equipped with an all-embracing editing toolkit allowing you conveniently export frames, bitmaps, shapes, and vectors. It’s a more practical option especially when it comes to transitions and animations. Further, it let you create intricate UX flows adding gestures, animations, components, and much more. All of these components can be exported to .CSS or .SVG files. Generating code is one of the most inspiring features. You may want to think of IDE for the design. Whether you are a developer, programmer, or designer, Framer offers a great bridge to help you achieve the ultimate goal.
7. Adobe XD
Adobe XD is an all-in-one tool to create prototypes, wireframes, voice interface, and design for websites & mobile applications. It let unified integration with other products from the Adobe community – the key benefit. Due to quick integration, users can import files without any issue. The tool is packed with rich features to view designs in real-time. You can further adapt to prototype mode, incorporate interactions, share with the entire team, and receive feedback. It’s certainly one of the most reliable prototyping tools currently available on the market.
Final Thoughts
Every prototyping tool is equipped with certain benefits and special features. If you have read this far, you are more likely to be familiar with advanced and user-friendly prototyping tools. These are some of the tools packed with high-end technology to complete multiple complicated projects in the best possible way. Regardless of the requirements you may have, don’t be surprised if you end up using one of these tools. It’s time to make advancements in the world of UX prototyping with Logozila!