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10 Prototyping Tools for User Experience Designers
A prototyping tool is essential for UI/UX designers because it replicates how a future product will feel or behave. Several prototype tools are used by the best user experience designers across the world. Such as:
1. Adobe XD
Adobe XD is considered a perfect alternative to InVision. Adobe XD is a free, superior, and vector-based prototyping tool to perform different tasks. You can create interactions, the dynamic functionality of a design, and its transitions.
Adobe XD is also suitable when collaborating with other Adobe family apps such as PhotoShop and illustrator.
With Adobe XD, you as a designer are guaranteed smooth functionality and the creation of high-quality prototypes of your designs. It runs on OS X, Windows, Android, and iOS and can be used for any prototype needed.
2. InVision
Arguably, it is one of the best prototyping tools in the industry. With the aid of InVision’s project management page, a UX designer can organize all the design elements needed into a continuous status workflow.
With this page, you’re able to categorize all your prototype components based on their status; the ones in progress that need reviewing and the ones approved in separate columns for easier access.
Another benefit of using InVision is that you can upload your images in PNG, JPG, AI, GIF, and PSD forms. Also, you can use InVision with other apps such as JIRA, Dropbox, Slack, among others, if need be.
3. Origami Studio
This prototype tool enables UX designers to manipulate and edit pictures as they please. With its convenient changing shapes, layouts and sizes, it is simple to hand-tweak any particular design to the specifications you require.
Using the sketch app enables users to copy and paste any repeating elements rather than spend lots of time remaking the same design. Sketch has a free trial, and you can get the full version for $99. It is suitable for making prototypes for OS X, Web, and iOS.
5. Figma
It is easy to make the design process fast and smooth. The developer can create a high-fidelity prototype, and it is possible to create a live website. You can add different programming languages like CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.
Its drag-and-drop interface helps you build transitions, animations, and web flow. If you want to develop a professional site, then make sure that you choose this prototyping tool. If you do not know how to code, there is no issue because these applications are ideal even if you do not have any skill set.
7. Axure RP9
It is a popular choice for many UX designers to design interactive prototypes quickly. It is possible to develop functional prototypes in which you can create link pages and develop amazing 3D effects.
There are thousands of resources in the store, which you can use while developing anything on your website. You can also access UI kits, live maps, etc., which you can add to the components. There is no need to know the code to develop the prototypes for your website.
9. Marvel
If you want a tool to whip up the websites and apps, then consider this tool. You can get plenty of components in the store to build a good website without compromising the functionality.
The developers can get the code to develop gestures, interactivities, and dynamic transitions. There are plenty of collaborative features that help the design team to build all the components. It is possible to make changes, add notes, and do much more without compromising the quality.
10. Principle
If you want to create interactive and high-quality animations, then you can get prototypes with static representations. The animation builder is available with multiple artboards for importing the Figma frames. Within some time, you can create great web-based applications.
The best things about this tool are impressive interactivity and motion. You can use the tool to develop professional websites without knowing much about programming languages.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of prototype tools ideal for user experience designers. No matter if you do not know how to code, you can create animations and interactives of high quality. You can use the ready-made components to develop prototypes in your applications.
If you are looking for the tools for designing and building professional websites, consider the mentioned ones. The best thing about using these applications is that you can do your tasks with less time and effort.