5 best tools for mobile app design

Maybe you have heard the terms UX design or UI design before, maybe you have no idea what they mean, or maybe you are an expert at them. Either way, at Novaflip, we believe that how you go about mobile app design, can make or break your product.

In this article, we outline some of the best tools that will help you bring that amazing app idea you have to life. Industry professionals and entrepreneurs alike use these tools to create stunning mobile designs and efficient user journeys. Before we get started with tools, we’ll do a brief recap of both UX design and UI design.

Mobile app design process – UX & UI

What is UX in mobile app design?

UX design in mobile apps focuses on how users will feel and act as they navigate through an app’s interface. Instead of aesthetics and visuals, UX design focuses on the overall structure of the user’s journey through an app.

 

What is UI in mobile app design?

Unlike UX design, UI, or User Interface design is a term reserved for use in the digital realm. It involves the considerations that need to be made involving the look, feel and function of the app. Simply put, UI design is making an app look amazing.

Read more about the differences between UX&UI Design in our blog post on the topic.

So, now that you have a better idea of what these skills are, it is time to get started on what tools will help you and your business with the mobile app design process. We have selected 5 of the best tools for mobile app design used by industry professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

1. Figma

Figma is one of the most popular interface design tools in the world. This app allows your business to both design and prototype an app in one space. It’s focused on collaboration with other team members and can be used on all operating systems (Mac, Windows, Linux & Chromebook).

With this tool, your entire team can work on the mobile app design together in real-time. Here are some of the main specifications for the tool:

Platform: Web

Integrations: Slack, Zeplin, Jira Cloud, Trello, etc. See the full list of integrations here.

Pricing: The great thing about Figma is that there is a great free version, as well as two packages for £9/month and £32/month for professionals and organisations.

2. InVision

This platform allows you to design an app from idea to development in one single space. As well as that, you can easily create prototypes to show investors and team members.

Platform: macOS, Windows 10 or later

Integrations: Slack, Jira Cloud, Trello, etc. See the full list of integrations here.

Pricing: Pro starts at £8.60/month. however, there is also a free plan (although a little limited)

3. Sketch

One of the original mobile design tools, Sketch covers the entire creative process. Not only is it easy to use and great for all skill levels, but it can also help you start from early ideas and go all the way to manifesting into the final product you envisioned.

Developer: Bohemian Coding

Platform: macOS

Integrations: Zeplin, Avocode, Jira Cloud, WeTransfer and much more. See the full list of integrations here.

Pricing: £7 per editor per month, or £73/year

4. Adobe Experience Design (XD)

XD is fast and easy to use, provides you will all the features you get from other platforms like Sketch (wireframing, prototyping, and more), and is able to integrate seamlessly with other Adobe products such as Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

With Adobe XD, you can switch between design and prototype mode to go through the mobile app design process quickly and easily. However, there are some limitations with integrations and other features:

Platform: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows

Integrations: Zeplin, Avocode, Jira Cloud, and much more. See the full list of integrations here.

Pricing: 7-day free trial and then £7.35/month for individual users.

5. Marvel

Marvel is a great tool for mobile app design, including wireframing and prototyping your product. The software is compatible with other apps like Sketch and Photoshop and can automatically sync with platforms like Google-Drive and Dropbox.

Platform: Web

Integrations: Dropbox, Slack, Sketch and more.

Pricing: There is a free plan. Pro is £8.90/month and Team is £31/month

Get started with your Mobile App Design Process

If you’re looking for an agency to take control of your mobile app design process, then NovaFlip can help. We specialise in both UX and UI design, as well as bespoke mobile app development. Book a call and get started today.

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