Propelling Design Forward With Innovative UI Tools

by Brenda Barron Stokes on Dec 01, 2022

Designers are always looking for new and innovative ways to push their designs forward. In the past, this has meant finding new and better ways to create visuals that communicate ideas effectively. However, in today’s world where users are becoming more and more discerning, it also means finding new and better ways to design user interfaces that make using a product an intuitive and satisfying experience. Fortunately, there are now a number of UI tools available that can help designers do just that. With the right toolkit in hand, designers can create complex, functional user interfaces that are easy to use and make sense to users.

Of course, no single tool will be the perfect fit for every project. While some tools may be better suited for certain tasks, a designer must still understand their user’s needs and goals in order to create an effective interface. To help navigate the ever-growing library of UI design tools, it pays to have a clear understanding of what each tool can do—and how it can be used to create the best experience possible. 

That’s why our focus here today is on highlighting some of the most innovative UI tools currently making waves in the design world. From full-fledged frameworks to handy plugins and more, we’ll provide an overview of each tool so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to choose the right one for your project.

Let’s get started!

1. Sketch

Sketch is a vector graphics editor that is quickly becoming a go-to tool for UI designers. With its streamlined interface and powerful features, Sketch makes it easy to create stunning interfaces for any project. It offers a wide range of features like symbols, artboards, grids and guides, text styles, and much more.

Plus, you can use it to create full-fledged pieces of art, collaborative projects, and functional prototypes.

2. Proto.io

Proto.io is a prototyping tool that allows designers to quickly create interactive prototypes without writing any code. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to add elements, adjust transitions, and tweak the look and feel of your design until you get the desired result. 

It also offers features such as interactive animations, device-specific previews, and built-in collaboration tools. Moreover, Proto.io is entirely web-based, so there’s no coding required at all.

3. Figma

Figma is a design collaboration platform that allows multiple users to work on the same project in real-time. It offers features such as version control, asset sharing, and comments, making it easy for designers to keep track of their progress and quickly iterate on ideas.

The platform also has tools specifically designed for UI design, such as a layout grid, vector network, and text styles.

4. Webflow

Webflow is a visual website builder that makes it easy to create responsive, dynamic websites without any coding. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop editor where you can add elements and adjust the design until you get the desired result.

It also has components specifically designed for UI design such as menus, buttons, sliders, and more. Plus, you can use it to easily create interactive elements such as hover effects and drop-down menus.

5. Balsamiq

Balsamiq is a wireframing tool that makes it easy to quickly create low-fidelity prototypes without any coding. It offers features such as predefined elements and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for designers to quickly put together a basic outline of their product’s user interface.

6. Axure

If you’re a UX designer, then Axure is the perfect tool for you because it offers wireframing, flowcharts, and user testing. This way, you can test out different designs before finalizing anything. Additionally, its drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to add elements and customize your design however you want.

It also provides tools like widgets and building blocks, which can be quickly added to any prototype to speed up your workflow.

7. Zeplin

Zeplin is a collaboration platform designed for UI designers. It allows multiple users to work on the same project in real time and offers features such as style guides, asset sharing, and comments. Moreover, it has an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that makes it easy to quickly create prototypes that you can then hand off to clients.

You can even use Zeplin to design scale systems, organize your workflow, and more.

8. AdobeXD

Adobe XD is a powerful UI design tool that makes it easy to create beautiful, responsive interfaces with lightning speed. It offers features such as vector-based drawing tools, artboards, grid and guide overlays, and much more. Plus, you can use it to quickly create prototypes with interactive elements such as clickable menus and hover effects.

Additionally, it offers features such as asset sharing and collaboration tools that make it easy for designers to work together on a single project.

9. Whimsical

Whimsical is a visual collaboration platform that makes it easy for designers to quickly create flowcharts, wireframes, and prototypes. It comes with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with predefined elements as well as built-in collaboration tools such as asset sharing and comments. Moreover, you can use Whimsical to easily design interactive elements such as an animated menu, style guides, and color palettes.

10. Storybook

Storybook is an open-source tool specifically designed for UI design. It allows developers to create, test, and document components outside of the main codebase, making it easy for designers to quickly iterate on ideas. Plus, it offers features such as static site generation and interactive documentation which will help you keep track of your progress. 

Storybook’s drag-and-drop interface makes it a breeze to prototype and test various designs as well.

11. Maze

With Maze, you can easily create prototypes and user experiences with its intuitive drag-and-drop editor. Design anything from basic wireframes to interactive prototypes quickly and efficiently. In addition, enjoy features such as image cropping, asset management, and collaboration tools that make it easy for designers to work together on the same project.

Maze also includes features for user testing like polls, surveys, and heatmaps, which can help you quickly identify usability issues in your design and propose effective changes on the fly.

12. Marvel

Marvel is a versatile prototyping tool that makes anyone an expert in interactive design, without having to write any code. With an easy drag-and-drop interface, you can add elements and create stunning designs rapidly. Marvel also offers some great extra features such as animated effects, asset sharing options for teamwork, and more.

Marvel provides specific features for user testing, such as previews and feedback tools, which will help you identify usability issues in your design quickly. In addition, Marvel offers analytics to further evaluate the efficiency of your design.

13. InVision

InVision is a prototyping platform that makes it easy to quickly create interactive mockups and prototypes. It has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface which allows you to easily add elements and quickly create designs as inspiration strikes. Plus, it also offers features such as asset sharing and collaboration tools that make it easy for designers to work together on the same project.

How to Choose the Right UI Tool for Your Needs

Now that you know more about the different UI tools available, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Consider factors such as ease of use, features, cost, and the platform (desktop or web) before making your decision.

If you’re new to UI design, then look for a tool that is easy to use and has plenty of tutorials and support. On the other hand, if you’re a more experienced designer, then choose a tool that offers advanced features such as animation or user testing.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what works best for your needs and budget.

Use the Power of Innovative UI Tools to Jumpstart Your Designs

UI design tools are essential to quickly create stunning user interfaces without writing code. No matter your skill level, you’ll find a tool that fits your needs here. From drag-and-drop editors and interactive prototyping to user testing and analytics, these UI design tools have all the features you need for success. So whether you’re looking for a way to bolster your toolbox for your next UI design job or you want to be well-prepped to start a new career in this field, these tools will serve you well regardless. 

So what are you waiting for? Get your designs off the ground today!