Although UX and UI designs overlap, they have many key differences, especially in how they affect consumer experience. UX (User experience) is focused on making products and technology easy and enjoyable to use, while UI (User Interface) is essentially the look and layout of any product or technology. UX design is critical to the success of every business. In this article, we’ll share three unique tools & software that every UX UI team needs to implement to boost productivity.
This is because the more seamless the user experience for a consumer is, the greater penetration the product or technology will have in the broader market. On the other hand, UI design ensures that the product or technology is appealing at face value.
3 Tools Every UX UI Team Needs to Implement
To achieve this, the designer pays attention to such metrics as interaction models, product color, etc. Additionally, they build prototypes and run tests within focus groups to determine consumer reactions. These, and several other design strategies, are implemented to build trust with the consumers. To create engaging design components, UX/UI teams make use of a variety of tools.
The tools are distinct in the features they offer to design teams. More so, they are primarily project-specific, which means that the peculiar needs and tasks of the team should determine what tool it uses.
Thus, teams must have a fair idea of what to expect with each tool and what type of projects they are suited for. Below are three tools every UX/UI design team needs to implement for better output.
1. InVision
InVision is a popular tool among UX/UI designers. It is a workflow platform with a strong focus on team collaboration. Not only does it allow individuals to work separately, but it also allows an exchange of ideas within a group. It enables team members to comment on ongoing projects in real time and share suggestions using Boards. This feature is essential because it creates room for constant feedback and suggestions, enhancing team dynamics in the process.
One other key area in which InVision works excellently is prototyping. With InVision, turning static design files into prototypes is no more than a walk in the park. Even more interestingly, it allows for the addition of effects such as gestures and transitions to apps. This works both for Android and iOS apps and helps animate the prototypes.
InVision is constantly improving, primarily to simplify the jobs of UX/UI designers. For instance, it recently added Craft Prototype, a feature that facilitates the connection between Sketch and InVision. InVision makes its use worth the while. As a result, there are great UX and UI tools to implement.
A product design lead expertly described their experience in a review: “The key point of preference for us to use InVision has always been its simplicity. You export the files, import them to InVision, click-click-click, and your prototype is set up. Sharing and commenting are also handy; everything happens within one place, and the projects keep moving forward.” Here is a list of InVision’s major pros and cons for a clearer perspective on what to expect.
Pros
- It is free.
- InVision is user-friendly and helps beginners learn quickly or at their own pace.
- Teams can integrate prototype sketches and images without needing to make use of the drag-and-drop feature.
- For team collaboration, InVision is unmatched. It is explicitly designed to simplify any feedback system employed by a team.
- InVision allows for integration with JIRA and Slack.
UX UI Team Tools Cons
- InVision makes it difficult for teams to wireframe their programs.
- Teams may experience difficulties in sharing their projects with clients.
- You may have to obtain separate tools for typing and drawing needs because InVision does not provide those options.
2. Sketch UX UI Tools To Implement
Sketch is one of the most popular vector-based tools because it focuses on on-screen designs. It is excellent for drawing and allows you to resize images while retaining their sharpness.
What makes Sketch such a great tool is that apart from its use in drawing, it is also an excellent tool for professional logo designs, wireframing, and prototyping. Its multi-purpose use makes it a favorite for mobile designers and developers. Design teams can use the tool to design fantastic user interfaces for various smart devices.
The sketch considers the different navigational structures between computers and mobile devices. Generally, it is not unusual for disparities to exist in the user experience for mobile and computer users, with the latter being more straightforward to use.
However, no such disparity is noticed when Sketch is used for designs. Many designers attest to the fact that Sketch is essentially a simplified tool built by designers for designers to assist with digital interfaces specifically.
Sketch provides a collaboration platform that fosters team synergy. Its grids and guides make it easy to lift and move objects while designing. It allows for various plug-ins and can be integrated with various other apps, such as Jira Cloud and Zeplin. In this way, it is a one-stop-shop for any design needs that require the simultaneous use of different tools.
Downside
However, one downside to the tool is that it is only available for Mac devices. Furthermore, you are required to make payments before use, although it is a one-off payment that is needed. After the initial app payment, you can then use the app for as long as you want.
Any additional payments would be for license renewal – although this is optional. License renewal is annually and gives the user access to any updates on the tool. Here is a summary of its essential assets and minor handicaps. As a result, there are great UX and UI tools to implement.
Pros
- Automatically saves whatever project you are working on, even when interruptions occur. It also provides multiple artboards at the same time.
- Being a vector-based device, every element is a vector by default.
- Teams interested in designing high-quality mockups will find Sketch particularly helpful.
- Creation of a porting system to other apps. It preserves the integrity of the creation even while transplanted.
- Additionally, Sketch allows for device mirroring. It will enable you to mirror the design on different devices to determine how they’ll look.
- Sketch allows for the creation and reuse of icons and other elements easily.
UX UI Productivity Tools Cons
- The sketch is not ideal for the creation of color palettes.
- Although it is relatively small – 12 MB – Sketch may slow down your device.
- Getting everybody on the team up to speed on how to use the device might take a little while.
- Plug-ins are needed for practical use on the platform.
3. Maze
Maze is an online Usability Testing Tool perfect for preparing usability testing/remote UT setup. Designers who specialize in data-driven designs have found Maze extremely helpful in that regard. Maze prepares usability testing tasks with prototypes in InVision or Sketch. It collaborates with real users to turn prototypes into actionable insights.
These tasks, known as missions, are links to the users. This makes the testing process easy, making it more likely that the user would be willing to go through the process. As a result, there are great UX and UI tools to implement.
Maze is excellent for curating feedback, too. Once a user completes a test, Maze opens a dashboard that overviews the actions. For instance, it shows the success rate as well as the time it takes for each test to be out. Furthermore, users can leave comments about the designs.
This will give your team insight into what works and what does not. Maze offers a reliable system for setting up and organizing test sessions.
The chief attraction of Maze is that it gives the designer the option of testing the product at the design stage. Thus, it provides design teams with the data required to execute a flawless design process.
This is particularly important because it ensures the designers are not in the dark about the nature of their product. When trying to woo a client, the proficiency of your team in using a tool such as Maze, coupled with an impressive design proposal, can score you a few extra points.
UX UI Productivity Tools Pros
- Maze is fun and fairly easy to use, with intuitive outlays and analytics.
- Great for building and testing design tests.
- It offers a seamless and cohesive system for tracking the success rate of any design test conducted.
- Maze is mobile as well as browser-compatible.
Top UX UI Productivity Tools Cons
- Maze is partial to some screen sizes.
- It is pretty expensive.
UX UI Tools To Implement Conclusion
Maintaining cohesion and synergy is crucial for any team, including design teams. Thus, the team’s design tools must allow for flexibility and collaboration. The three tools discussed above are excellent on that count. Other factors include the team’s design needs, device compatibility with the selected tool, pricing, and cost. Essentially, a great design team needs to keep updating its knowledge.
The aim should be for every team member to become self-sufficient, armed with knowledge about online logo design tools, website layout, etc. while working effectively as a team.
