This post covers many topics about top 10 app prototyping tools. Prototyping tools are used by designers to build a prototype. A prototype is the alpha version of a product. In other words, a prototype is a low-cost version of a product that opens up opportunities to solve the probable issues and improve the ultimate product quality. However, keeping all optimal features in a prototype, a mobile app prototype specifically, is not really necessary. Prototypes create possibilities to receive feedback from costumers and collaborators. In this post, we’ll go over some of the most useful app prototyping tools for designing a product, especially for a mobile app design.
The developers will begin software development once the client is satisfied with the prototype, and all changes necessary have been made. Prototyping is useful when a customer is not sure of the exact requirements before starting the project, or when the product is unique and there is nothing like it in the market, so developers don’t have an example.
Why does making an app prototype matter?
Prototyping helps us in finalizing the end product. To clarify, the purpose behind it is to create an experimental case. The case study tells us how much the product is valuable and useful for the main clients. Moreover, it helps gather information about the real function of an app and solve possible problems. That is to say, employing app prototyping tools for app design closely resembles the testing process before releasing the app that finds the potential bugs. At TwelfthDream, a Vancouver-based mobile app development company, we deploy Agile Scrum which is a software development framework. It greatly helps us to follow the six-step process smoothly for the various services we offer. For example, it helps web application design, progressive web app design, website & eCommerce, and such.
10 of the best app prototyping tools
1. Adobes’ Adobe XD
Adobe Inc released XD into the market in 2017. Adobe XD or Adobe experience design is obtainable for Windows and Mac. This feature may persuade a majority of users to download the software. Especially when it comes to flexibility XD can easily shift from design mode to prototype mode. This vector-based tool has many things to offer. As a UX or UI designer, you can employ overlay support, auto-animate, voice triggers, time transitions. When it comes to sharing the software has paved the way for users. You can simply make a link to share and get feedback on your design.
2. Clark valberg’s InVision Studio
InVision Studio owns piles of perfect tools that enable designers to manage to create prototype models at a brisk pace. Moreover, the software is an apt choice if you need to design, prototype, and animate. Collaboration and communication are big parts of Invision. The freehand tool allows team members to draw, take notes, and send feedback. By deploying live share a prototype is presented by a complete simulated interaction. For more information visit the Invision Studio site.
3. Xavier Renom’s Justinmind
Justinmind is an excellent choice for beginner and expert UX designers since it has an easy-to-use interface to deploy your project. You can design mobile app prototypes of all types, for instance, iOS, Android, and web applications. Luckily, no coding is required. With functional and useful libraries out there, designers can get started. The software is available for Windows and Mac, but you must first sign up for a plan before you can start prototyping.
4. Pieter Omvlee’s Sketch
In 2015, Sketch took the throne from Photoshop. From then on, the software is familiar to many Mac users. Sketch resembles Photoshop and Apple illustrator. However, flexibility makes it more appealing for User Interface design. Transferring output layers to other software and automatic matching of vectors are 2 of Sketche’s tributes. Many applications have imitated sketch’s benchmarks since it is a popular tool, but it still has its practical features.
5. Dave Kearney’s Fluid UI
The brisk pace of prototyping in this software, if not surpassed, would definitely match your expectations. In other words, since it has pre-built user interface kits, built-in components for iOS, and wireframing, prototyping is occurring fast. In addition, in the online interaction section, you can send messages to other team members and get feedback on the project.
6. Principle
Do motion and interactivity have a great role in your case? If YES, you’d better opt for Principle as a design tool. You have lots of interaction available at your service. For example, Scroll, Long Press, Drag, Auto Animation, and Tap. Interestingly, connecting Figma’s account to Principle is possible to do. With Principle, fantastic designs are achievable.
7. Proto.io
Paypal, Amazon, ESPN, and other giant companies have adopted Proto.io. That’s enough to give it the lavish praise. PROTOTYPING FOR ALL is what they always claim. A marketer, UX designer, manager, and anyone with the idea of doing something can deploy Proto.io in his/her working life. Apps or websites, blogs or portals discover and employ the template that beautifully matches your design, so don’t doubt this 256-bit SSL encrypted software.
8. Figma
Figma is one of the most straightforward tools to use that is available in the market. It allows you to interact with your teammates and receive real-time feedback, in addition to its simplicity and fluidity. This feature is used in more complex projects where several people are working on the same task at the same time. Figma is available on the web and has a browser version, however, you can also download the offline version for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Depending on your needs, you can use one of the two free and professional versions. Figma appears to be gaining traction at the moment, displacing older and more well-known software like Access, Invision, and others.
9. Marvel
Marvel lets you create interactive mockups. It is an all-in-all tool you need. Wireframe, design, and prototype lightning-fast with the best approach. Create a screen on the software itself or from Sketch or Photoshop.
10. Origami Studio
This tool was designed for Facebook designers. Sharing is caring. Therefore, Facebook decided to share it with other people. If you are an advanced UI, designer Origami would do you good. Especially, if your project scope is big. Origami Studio provides perfect tools for website and mobile app design.
Conclusion
The prototype model is a method of trial and error. It’s most commonly used when customers don’t fully comprehend the product’s features. The customer may have a general idea of the product they want to make but are unsure of the specific features or specifications. That is why they have chosen to make the products prototype.
There are a plethora of app prototyping tools on the market. If you require additional information, Team As A Service (TAAS) is available to assist you. Start with the top ten tools we discussed in this article. Which one appeals to you the most? Leave a comment in the box below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the step before prototyping? Doing research and finding all the requirements to deliver a problem-solving and engaging design for future users.
How to improve the prototype model? Opt for the right prototype first. Then arrange everything for the ease of users’ interaction. Finally, test how it works.
What are the examples of prototypes? Physical model, Sketches and diagrams, working model, 3D printing or rapid model and video model, etc.