Popular UI UX design tools revolutionizing design in 2024

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Imagine you’re about to embark on an exciting journey through a world filled with websites, apps, and interactive experiences. 

But then you stumbled upon a confusing website, a confusing app interface, or a poorly designed website.

That must have been frustrating, right? 

This is where UX Designers and their expertise in creating User Experience design comes into play.

They are the architects and storytellers of your digital journey who rely on effective and popular UI UX design tools to bring their creative visions to life.

(Just as a painter relies on a well-crafted palette for their artistry!!)

Every interaction, layout, and element of an online experience is carefully crafted with these tools to guide you seamlessly through the narrative.

These UI UX design tools play a crucial role in creating smooth, user-focused digital experiences, simplifying processes, enhancing teamwork, and transforming imaginative concepts into visually captivating designs.

However, with the evolving digital landscape, tools used in UI UX design have also come a long way. 

From using static graphic design for manual processes to using advanced software and UI UX design tools to offer tailor-made UI UX Designing Services. 

The growing complexity of digital projects has led to the evolution from basic wireframing to advanced prototyping and collaboration features for enhanced user experiences.

In this article, we will be exploring the current landscape of UX design tools, focusing on the most popular and influential tools that provide the best UI UX design services. 

Understanding UI UX design tools

Definition & purpose of UI UX tools

UX design tools are software applications or platforms that support user experience designers in their design process. 

These tools are invaluable for creating, prototyping, and testing digital interfaces, guaranteeing that the end product satisfies user requirements and desires. 

By streamlining the design workflow and promoting collaboration among design teams, UX design tools play a vital role in crafting interfaces that are both user-friendly and visually appealing.

UX design tools facilitate the creation of user-friendly interfaces by providing you  with the tools to

Visualise ideas 

UX tools allow you to create wireframes and mockups. Early ideation and concept validation are facilitated by this method. 

They offer designers the ability to transform abstract concepts into tangible and structured visual representations.

Prototype interactions 

The use of prototyping tools empowers you to construct dynamic prototypes that replicate user interactions. 

This is vital for examining and enhancing the user experience and functionality.

Trial and refine

UX design tools frequently incorporate functions for user testing and feedback acquisition. 

As a designer, you can employ these tools to pinpoint areas of frustration, gather valuable user perspectives, and refine designs for ongoing enhancement.

Promote efficient collaboration

Numerous UX design tools facilitate collaborative features, enabling you and your team members to effortlessly collaborate. 

This collaborative atmosphere enhances communication and guarantees that everyone remains aligned throughout the design journey.

The most popular UI UX design tools of the year

1. Sketch

Sketch is a popular tool used in UI UX Design by many designers for creating custom UI UX design solutions, interfaces and interactive prototypes. It is widely known for its simplicity and emphasis on collaboration.

Features

One of the key features of Sketch is its vector editing capability, which allows the creation of precise and scalable designs. 

Additionally, the use of artboards in Sketch streamlines the process of creating multiple design screens.

Pros

Sketch also offers an extensive library of plugins that enhance its functionality. These plugins provide a wide range of tools to customise workflow and improve productivity.

Another useful feature is its ability to create symbols, which are reusable design elements that promote consistency throughout the design process.

Some advantages of Sketch include its intuitive interface, which is easy to learn and navigate. 

The robust vector editing capabilities make it an ideal choice for creating high-quality and scalable designs. 

Furthermore, Sketch has a large and active community, assisting designers at every stage with its abundant resources for learning and support.

Cons

However, there are a few limitations to consider. While Sketch offers some prototyping features, it may not be as advanced as specialised prototyping tools. 

Additionally, the tool is currently available only on macOS, which may limit its accessibility for some users.

Ideal use cases

In summary, Sketch is an excellent choice for UI/UX designers working on digital interfaces, especially if you prioritise vector-based design and collaborative workflows.

2. Figma

Figma has become a widely popular cloud-based design tool that offers remarkable features for real-time collaboration. Its ability to allow multiple designers to work simultaneously on a project fosters seamless teamwork.

Features

One of its key features is its cloud-based nature, which not only enables real-time collaboration but also provides efficient cloud storage. 

Additionally, Figma offers advanced prototyping capabilities, allowing you to create and showcase interactive designs. 

Another noteworthy feature is the creation of reusable design elements through components, which greatly enhances efficiency.

Pros

Moreover, Figma simplifies the handoff process for developers, making it easier for you to communicate your vision effectively. 

Its unparalleled real-time collaboration capabilities set it apart from other design tools. 

Furthermore, the tool’s compatibility with any operating system that has a web browser makes it a cross-platform solution.

Cons

Figma is frequently updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that we as a designer have access to the latest tools and functionalities. 

However, it is worth noting that this UX Design Tool for beginners may initially be overwhelming because of its extensive features, thus requiring a learning curve. 

Additionally, larger and more complex projects may experience performance issues.

Ideal use cases

In conclusion, Figma is an excellent choice for design teams working collaboratively on projects. It particularly shines in situations where real-time collaboration and cross-platform compatibility are essential.

3. InVision Studio

From ideation to interactive prototyping, InVision Studio caters to the complete design process. InVision Studio focuses on providing seamless design-to-prototype workflows for digital products.

Features

Using InVision Studio, you can create layouts that adapt to different screen sizes and devices.

With advanced animation capabilities, you can create prototypes with interactive and dynamic transitions.

The InVision Studio streamlines feedback and iteration processes through real-time sharing and commenting on designs.

It also allows you and your team to create and maintain design systems, ensuring consistency across different elements of a project.

Pros

Providing a realistic preview of the final user experience, InVision Studio creates high-fidelity prototypes with intricate animations and transitions.

By incorporating design system features, consistency and efficiency are enhanced, especially in projects involving you and your team.

Cons

If you are a beginner or new user, particularly if you are accustomed to simpler design tools, you might face a slightly more challenging learning process when it comes to InVision Studio, which boasts a wide range of features. 

Additionally, InVision Studio requires a greater amount of system resources and its performance could be affected by the intricacy of the design projects being worked on.

Ideal use cases

InVision Studio is a great fit for projects that demand intricate interactive prototypes that closely resemble the end product.

Its collaborative capabilities make it a perfect option for your team to collaborate on intricate digital products.

InVision Studio proves advantageous when maintaining design consistency is critical across various components, making it a suitable choice for projects with extensive design systems.

4. Marvel

Marvel Design Studio is a tool that makes it easy for you and your team to create interactive designs and digital prototypes. With its user-friendly interface, Marvel streamlines the process of your design collaboration from start to finish.

Features

Marvel empowers you to effortlessly build interactive prototypes, enabling you to simulate user interactions and flows. 

With its user testing capabilities, the tool facilitates the gathering of feedback and insights from actual users during the design phase. 

Additionally, Marvel promotes seamless collaboration between you and other stakeholders, fostering a cohesive work environment for your design projects. 

Its integration with diverse third-party tools and platforms enhances its versatility and compatibility across different design workflows.

Pros

Marvel’s user-friendly interface caters to diverse levels of expertise, fostering simplicity and swift adoption.

The software stands out in its ability to quickly create prototypes, ensuring efficiency for projects that demand speedy iterations and testing.

Marvel’s user testing capabilities enable you to obtain valuable insights and feedback directly from users, empowering you in your design process.

Cons

Marvel Design Studio may not offer the same level of advanced design features as more comprehensive design tools. 

For projects that demand intricate interactions and animations, specialised tools might be a more fitting choice than Marvel Design Studio.

Ideal use cases

Marvel is an excellent tool for your design projects that require quick prototyping and constant refining. 

Its ability to seamlessly integrate user testing and feedback makes it particularly advantageous for projects that prioritise these aspects. 

Additionally, Marvel’s collaborative design features make it a great choice for your team working together on design projects and prototypes.

5. Axure RP

Axure RP is a powerful prototyping solution that caters to the creation of immersive and dynamic prototypes for web and mobile applications. 

It equips you with the ability to construct intricate and operational prototypes that accurately mimic the desired user experience.

Features

Axure RP can create intricate and dynamic interactions, enabling you to replicate authentic user experiences and actions.

This tool offers support for adaptive views, empowering you to design and prototype for different screen sizes and resolutions within a single project.

The tool integrates conditional logic, enabling you to build prototypes that intelligently respond to user inputs and interactions.

Additionally, it provides features for team collaboration, making it easy for you and your team members to share prototypes and collaborate effectively.

Pros

Axure RP is recognized for its capacity to generate prototypes that closely resemble the final product, incorporating intricate interactions. 

Its compatibility with adaptive views also makes it well-suited for projects that cater to various devices and screen sizes. 

Cons

Axure RP’s extensive range of features may prove challenging if you are a beginner or an individual unfamiliar with prototyping tools. 

The design interface of Axure RP may not be as visually intuitive as alternative prototyping tools, which could be a drawback for some designers.

Ideal use cases

Axure RP is ideal for intricate and immensely interactive prototypes, such as enterprise applications or intricate web platforms.

It proves advantageous for accommodating diverse screen sizes and resolutions, thanks to its adaptive views feature.

Axure RP is well-suited for design environments that encourage collaboration, enabling your team members to contribute to and assess prototypes at various stages of the design process.

Now, you must be thinking- “Which tools are used for UI UX Design apart from the ones mentioned, right?”

We have an answer, read about other tools used for UI UX Design

Comparing these UI UX tools

In the above section, we have listed the best five tools needed for UI UX Design. However, the world of UI UX design tools is vast and can evoke a mix of excitement and apprehension. 

In the table below, we have compared the five dominant tools: Sketch, Figma, InVision Studio, Marvel and Axure RP each wielding its influence over the design realm.

Feature	Figma	Sketch	InVision Studio	Marvel	Axure RP
Collaboration	Real-time collaboration	Limited collaboration features	Collaboration features	Collaboration features	Team collaboration features
Prototyping	Advanced prototyping	Basic prototyping capabilities	Advanced prototyping capabilities	Prototyping capabilities	High-fidelity prototyping
Platform	Web-based, supports all OS	macOS only	macOS and Windows	Web-based, supports all OS	Windows and macOS
Pricing	Subscription-based	One-time purchase	Subscription-based	Subscription-based	One-time purchase
Design systems	Yes	Plugin support for design systems	Yes	Limited support	Holistic design systems
Learning curve	Gentle learning curve	Moderate learning curve	Moderate learning curve	Gentle learning curve	Moderate learning curve
Integration	Wide range of integrations	Limited third-party integrations	Integrations with other tools	Integrations with other tools	Integrations with other tools
User interface	Intuitive and user-friendly	Clean and user-friendly	Clean and modern interface	Simple and user-friendly	Functional and professional
Advanced features	Auto-layout, plugins, design tokens	Advanced plugins, symbols	Animation, responsive design	User testing features	Conditional logic, adaptive views
Community support	Strong community support	Active community	Growing community	Active community	Active community

The tools that we have mentioned above are for your complete UI UX Design Journey. However, there are certain specific tools to assist you in UI and UX separately. 

Here is the list of most used UX Design tools for better work efficiency

And here’s the list of the best UI Design Tools

Also, check out this interesting survey conducted to check which is the most popular UX Design Tool and UI Design Tool used by the designers. 

Designers review on design tool

1. Sketch

Positive user reviews

Sketch is highly regarded by users for its user-friendly interface and powerful vector editing capabilities. The active community and extensive range of plugins are also frequently praised.

Negative user reviews

Despite its many strengths, some users desire more advanced prototyping features. Additionally, the fact that Sketch is exclusively available for macOS may pose a limitation for Windows users.

Check out more user reviews of Sketch

2. Figma

Positive user reviews

Figma is widely acclaimed for its exceptional collaboration features, seamless compatibility across different platforms, and regular updates. Users particularly appreciate the cloud-based nature of the tool.

Negative user reviews

While Figma offers numerous advantages, some users (especially beginners) mention a learning curve, as a hindrance in their learning path. Additionally, a few users report performance issues when working on large projects.

Check out more user reviews of Figma

3. InVision Studio

Positive user reviews

The animation features and responsive design capabilities of InVision Studio are frequently commended. Users appreciate the collaboration tools, finding them beneficial for obtaining feedback from stakeholders throughout the design process. 

Negative user reviews

While some users have mentioned a learning curve when transitioning from simpler tools, there have also been requests for additional third-party integrations.

Check out more user reviews of InVision Studio

4. Marvel

Positive user reviews

Marvel is often praised for its ease of use and ability to quickly create prototypes. Its simplicity makes it a popular choice for fast design iterations and collaborative projects.

Negative user reviews

However, some users have pointed out that Marvel may have fewer advanced features than other design tools, and its ability to handle complex interactions might be limited.

Check out more user reviews of Marvel Studio

5. Axure RP

Positive user reviews

Axure RP is known for its robust prototyping features and ability to handle conditional logic. It is favoured by users who need to create intricate and interactive prototypes. The community support and forums are frequently praised.

Negative user reviews

However, new users often mention the learning curve as a hurdle. Some have noted that the interface may not be as user-friendly as other, simpler tools.

Check out more user reviews of Axure RP

How to choose the right UI UX design tools?

1. Identifying your requirements

When deciding on the right UX design tool, carefully assess the specific needs of your project. 

Various factors, such as the project’s nature, team size, collaboration requirements, scope, and budget limitations, all contribute to determining the most suitable tool.

To begin with, the nature of your project will heavily influence the tool selection. 

For instance, a tool with advanced prototyping capabilities may be advantageous for a complex web application, whereas a simpler project may not necessitate such features.

Moreover, it is vital to consider the size of your design team and the extent of collaboration needed. 

Tools that offer real-time collaboration, like Figma, are particularly well-suited for larger teams working concurrently on a project.

Furthermore, the scope of your project, whether it is a small website or an extensive mobile app, will impact the features required in a UX design tool. 

It is crucial to select a tool that aligns with the project’s complexity and objectives.

Lastly, budget constraints should be taken into account. Some tools operate on a subscription basis, while others require a one-time purchase.

2. Trial and experimentation

You can greatly benefit from a selection process that encourages you to explore and experiment with various tools. 

One way to achieve this is by making use of the UI UX Design Tools free version or demos available for many UX design tools. 

By doing so, you can familiarise yourself with the tools’ interface, features, and workflow, and determine if they align with your preferences and project requirements. 

You can also use open-source UI UX Design tools to start with your design journey and can later switch to high-end design tools. 

Check out the list of open-source UI UX design tools

It is also important to actively engage with the tools in a practical setting, gaining firsthand experience and understanding of how they fit into your UI UX workflow. 

This can be done by working on a small project or replicating a portion of an ongoing project. 

Additionally, conducting collaborative testing sessions, if possible, allows you and your team members to simultaneously use different tools on a shared project. 

This provides valuable insights into how well a tool supports collaboration and seamlessly integrates into the team’s workflow.

Future trends in UI UX design tools

1. Emerging features and innovations

The field of UX design is in a constant state of flux, as tools continue to evolve and cater to the needs of designers and developers. 

Here are some exciting advancements in the realm of UX design tools:

2. AI-powered design assistance

Design tools now incorporate artificial intelligence, which provides suggestions for layouts and colour palettes, and even generates snippets of code. This technology has become increasingly prevalent and invaluable for designers.

3. Collaborative virtual reality (VR) design

You can now immerse yourself in virtual environments through VR tools, facilitating collaborative design experiences. This empowers you to refine and enhance your designs within a virtual space.

4. Accessibility integration

Future UX design tools are expected to prioritise accessibility, ensuring that designers can create inclusive interfaces that adhere to accessibility standards. These features will simplify the process of designing interfaces accessible to all users.

5. Cross-platform design

As the number of devices and platforms continues to grow, there is an escalating demand for tools that seamlessly adapt designs to various screen sizes and form factors. 

These tools will empower every designer to create consistent and user-friendly designs across multiple platforms.

6. Real-time user feedback

UX design tools are evolving to encompass more features for gathering real-time user feedback.

To acquire valuable perspectives on user interactions and preferences throughout the design process, resulting in designs that prioritise the user experience.

Predictions for these UI UX tools

Experts in the field of UX design are making a range of predictions and forecasts regarding the future of design tools. 

One of these predictions suggests that there will be a continued emphasis on integrating design tools, resulting in smoother workflows and improved compatibility with other software.

Another anticipated development is the emergence of low-code/no-code tools, which will democratise the design process by allowing designers with varying levels of technical expertise to participate. 

This will make design more accessible and inclusive.

Additionally, collaboration features are expected to become more advanced, enabling greater levels of real-time collaboration, co-editing, and communication among design teams. 

This will enhance teamwork and streamline the design process.

Furthermore, future design tools may incorporate features that assist designers in assessing and addressing the environmental impact of their designs, as well as considerations for ethical design practices. 

This demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of environmental and ethical considerations in the field of design.

Check out the 2023 prediction of UX Design Tools

Design the future: Start your UI UX journey here

It is important to choose the right UX design tool as it significantly influences the outcome of your projects in the constantly evolving digital space. 

The tools you opt for play a crucial role in shaping the user experience and overall effectiveness of your design workflow.

As you explore the vast range of UX design tools, you can venture into the options presented by us in this blog.

Grab every opportunity to gain practical experience by utilising these tools’ free versions, demos, and trial periods.

Do not forget to evaluate the unique requirements of your projects, team, and financial resources before deciding. 

You may also want to read our blogs on:

The UX Design Process

Role and differences between UX Researcher vs UX Designer

Essential UI Design Elements to Craft Effective Landing Page