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4 Powerful Prototyping Tools for Web Designers in 2020

Web designers, graphic designers, and visual artists are known for being creative and detailed, but just like any other professional, they require powerful and effective tools in order to deliver the best results. That’s what Prototyping Tools help doing.

What Is a Prototyping Tool?

Prototyping tools are key when it comes to web design. These tools are a great way to transform ideas into something more tangible and show it to your client. This is why, in the digital world, many web designers use them to create interactive mockups of products such as websites and apps. Creating a mockup of a mobile app or website allows designers and clients to see an overview of the site or a mobile app before starting the technical work. Once you have a prototype, it is easier to identify defects or weak points that weren’t so visible at the beginning, which means you will be able to correct them and ensure users have the best experience. There are so many prototyping tools that choosing the right one can be challenging. If you’re not quite sure which one you should choose,  let us guide you through four powerful prototyping tools you must add to your toolbox this year.

DreamWeaver

Dreamweaver is a software and prototyping program used by beginners and advanced web designers and developers to design, build, and display websites. It is a well-known prototyping tool that supports HTML, CSS, Javascript, and other web standards. Dreamweaver is a powerful prototyping tool that runs for both Windows and macOS.  It integrates perfectly with other software programs such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Also, its features are regularly updated. Some of the best and latest updates that Dreamweaver has are the following:
  • Seamless Live View Editing
  • Multi-monitor support for Windows
  • Git Support
  • Redesigned Modern UI
  • On edit linting
  • Security Enhancements

InvisionApp

InVision is the most popular and user-friendly design program to create rich interactive prototypes while you connect with the whole team. Web designers and stakeholders love working with InVision due to its collaborative and easy-to-use platform, which allows them to experiment and test their site more efficiently. Forget about the usual time-consuming design process — this prototyping tool makes communication flow much easier and faster. Its greatest asset is that it integrates well with apps like:
  • Slack
  • Trello
  • Teamwork
  • Confluence
  • Jira
  • Dropbox
  • BaseCamp
  • Microsoft Teams
InVision is the best way to turn ideas into powerful interactive and screens designs and prototypes while keeping the communication in one place.  When it comes to pricing, InVision charges $15 per month per user, but it also offers a free trial for a single project.

Sketch

Sketch is another digital design tool kit to create or build prototypes, collaborate, and turn great ideas into tangible results. It’s similar to popular photo editing software Photoshop because it allows designers to manipulate photos, change styles, sizes, and layouts. Sketch is the perfect way to assess the designs with animated interaction in a preview, get feedback, and test ideas to build the best experience possible for your website or mobile app. This particular design program is very versatile, considering it can prototype for OS X, iOS, and web. In terms of pricing, Sketch offers two alternatives: one for individuals with a $99 one-time payment, and another for teams, costing $9 per contributor per month. It also offers a 30-day free trial.

Adobe XD

Adobe Experience Design or Adobe XD is an intuitive and easy-to-use platform that helps optimize the design process through the design and prototype of websites, mobile apps, voice interfaces, games, and more. This collaborative and dynamic platform runs on Windows, OS X, Android, and iOS. Just like any other tool from Adobe’s pipeline, it includes dozens of features that are updated regularly. Web designers use Adobe XD to create wireframes and interactive prototypes to transform static designs into rich user experiences by adding interactions, motion, and animation. One of the most significant features of this prototyping tool is that it enhances the design process for designers, developers, and stakeholders by allowing them to share prototypes, display preview on devices, and add comments or specifications.

Elevate Your Business with Design

Having a well-designed website is crucial when you want high user engagement levels. Your website is the customer’s first impression of your business, and making sure they find what they need through a user-friendly journey will lead you to success. ——– S-FX.com Small Business Solutions is a boutique web design and technology consulting agency geared towards start-up businesses, small businesses, and non-profit businesses. We specialize in implementing low-cost technology solutions to maximize efficiency and reduce business operating costs.