Every UX/UI designer needs powerful and handy tools for creating stunning app interfaces. Here is the list of the most recommended programs and applications for prototyping, screen design, and storyboard making. They are free to use and accessible for both professional designers and people without any experience who would like to grasp the basics of UX/UI design.
Enjoy intuitive and easy-to-use programs while creating the app interface of your dreams, sketching, and prototyping. Professionals in UX/UI design agencies use them, but even if you have zero experience, you will be able to try creating an app screen design as well.
Sketch
Sketch is one of the most widely used programs for UX/UI design. The only problem is — it only works on Macs.
The functionality of the app is close to Adobe design products but more intuitive. Apart from prototyping instruments, it also provides you with the possibilities for wireframing and collective editing of content. Designing in teams is no longer a problem.
The system is lightweight and easy to use. Also, using the free version of Sketch, you get a free 20 MG of disk space. However, for more disk space or a more comprehensive set of features, you need to buy a license. Mind that it doesn’t provide tools for photo editing or working with animations.
Adobe Experience Design
Adobe Experience Design is a professional software for app interface design that runs on PC.
It includes most of the Sketch functionality and goes beyond it, providing more exciting features. It has tools for creating anything from sketches and wireframes to prototypes.
You may want to consider consulting with a ui/ux design company for help with this software. To be able to deliver working solutions in this program, some experience is required. However, if you have some experience working with other Adobe software like Adobe Photoshop, it will be much easier for you.
Marvel
While many UX/UI design tools provide more or less the same functionality, not all of them turn out convenient when we are talking about teamwork. If you are looking for a handy solution for your design team, pay attention to Marvel.
- Great for the visualization of content and working on prototyping.
- One of the most significant pluses of this app is that it can synchronize with other programs like Sketch or Adobe Photoshop or integrate content from Google Drive. Very convenient.
- You can even add animations to get the ultimate touch of the future app from the user’s perspective.
iPhone Mockup
The program will help you quickly and easily create an illustration or sketch for an iPhone mockup. All you need to do is apply the drag-and-drop feature to drag the necessary interface elements. The service is not perfect for professional-level development, so it’s better to choose other instruments in this case, like Sketch or Adobe Experience Design.
However, if you want to quickly fix your idea or share drafts with your sponsor or business owner, iPhone Mockup is quite suitable for this.
Proto.io
Proto.io allows you to create interactive prototypes in minutes. You can use this tool as the base for full-feature mobile software development. After creating an account and doing your first project, you can send a link to the finished prototype by e-mail or via social networks.
The free version of the service is limited to one active user, one five-page project, and ten megabytes of disk space. In a premium version, there are more users and disk space. It is also possible to brand and export the project in PDF and HTML. Any tariff plan has a 15-day trial period.
Pencil Project
Pencil Project is a free, open-source prototyping tool. So, if you are just a student or a novice who wants to experience app design without any investments, it is a perfect tool for you.
This program allows you to create layouts for web pages and mobile application screens. You can benefit from a set of built-in collections of popular frames, flowcharts, and interface elements that are available in drag-and-drop mode. It necessitates installation to your computer.
Origami Studio
Origami Studio is a tool that lets you make interactive user interface prototypes. Its attractive and intuitive interface allows designers to seamlessly prototype layers and interactions. Origami Studio supports teamwork mode.
You can import your designs from other applications like Sketch or videos and apply animations in Origami Studio. It also has a collection of ready-made components that you can use to expand the functionality of your app.
Inspiration for UX/UI
Any designer, whether a senior-level or an aspiring one, sometimes lacks new and fresh ideas. If you wish to get some inspiration from the works of other UX/UI designers or learn more about this field of app development, feel free to check out any of the resources below.
Ui Garage
UiGarage.net is the ideal website for daily UI inspiration, they provide a great library of handpicked resources including UI/UX tools, free UI kits, patterns, templates & articles for Web & Mobile App Designers. UiGarage provides an incredible amount of design assets for the entire UI/UX community, so we absolutely recommend them to help with your design ideas.
Good UI
This is a useful resource for understanding the theory of interface design. It provides you with 75 great ideas for web page and interface design. All recommendations are verified and ready to be used.
UX Myths
This website contains an extensive library of materials about the most popular misconceptions in the field of user interface design. Articles with detailed explanations on standard mistakes links to research and use materials that will help you to learn more about UX/UI and deliver better designs.
Conclusion
Nobody is born a good UX/UI designer, but anyone can become one. We’ve provided you with the best design tools on the market. Now it’s up to you to create the most stunning screens and revolutionary interfaces you can. And if you’d rather not do it yourself, you can always delegate your interface design to a professional UI design company.
