The majority of digital agencies prefer to operate in isolation. Consequently, they are often reluctant to share the tried-and-true procedures they rely on with their customers. Meanwhile, the development of mobile applications has exploded, creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation.
One strategy that has propelled mobile app development to new heights is mobile app design. However, identifying the ideal resources to acquire new skills and produce visually appealing designs—while ensuring that an app prioritizes user experience and engagement—can still be challenging.
Looking ahead, mobile app designers who have access to the best tools will undoubtedly dominate the market. This enhanced guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mobile app development, mobile app design, and the top seven mobile app design tools.
What Is Mobile App Development?
Mobile app development is the process of creating applications designed to run on a variety of mobile platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and personal digital assistants. Generally, mobile applications can be distributed in two ways: either as native software, installed directly on a user’s device during manufacturing, or as a web application, which relies on client-side or server-side processing to provide similar functionality within a web browser.
Since the mobile app landscape evolves daily, app developers must be capable of adapting to a wide range of hardware specifications, screen sizes, and device configurations.
What Is Mobile App Design?
Mobile app design refers to the process of creating apps for mobile devices. Accessibility, user experience, engagement, and usability are all crucial considerations when designing mobile apps, regardless of their function.
By addressing these challenges effectively, designers can create captivating, habit-forming applications that engage users worldwide.
Best Tools for Creating Mobile Apps
Here are some of the top tools for developing mobile apps:
1. BuildFire
Create your own apps for Android and iOS using BuildFire. With this fantastic program, you can make a low-priced interactive mobile app in record time. You may go all in on specialized app creation, media production, educational institutions, internal company communications, and more with this handy tool.
Key Features:
- Supports both local caching and cloud storage for managing media assets (PDFs, music, videos)
- DIY platform with professional-level customization
- Over 10,000 app integrations
- Robust and scalable to match your business needs
- Includes push notifications, plug-in integration, user management, analytics, and more
- Facilitates app store and website management, dashboards, and detailed analytics
2. InVision
InVision elevates interactive UI/UX prototypes and helps design teams bring their ideas to life. It is particularly effective for collaborative design.
Key Features:
- Comment directly on mockups for streamlined team communication
- Share work-in-progress updates with clients
- Use a private portfolio for professional presentation
- Upload designs via built-in add-ons
- Offers an “inspect” tab for front-end developers
- Supports transparent displays for branding
- Integrates with Photoshop for detailed design specifications
3. Sketch
Sketch, a Mac-based UX/UI tool, is widely recognized as one of the best for app design. It excels in creating prototypes and wireframes.
Key Features:
- Export a single design in multiple sizes
- Pixel-perfect alignment and snapping
- Create reusable text styles
- Easy information exchange
- Convert designs to SVG quickly
- Eyedropper tool for selecting colors from any web page
- Sketch Mirror allows real-time previews on multiple devices
4. Adobe XD
Adobe Experience Design (XD) is a vector-based tool for creating interactive mobile and web app experiences, including clickable prototypes.
Key Features:
- Easy to learn and user-friendly
- Integrates seamlessly with other Adobe software
- Used by over 12 million Creative Cloud users
- Offers high-fidelity prototyping without additional plugins
- Provides effective scaling tools compared to competitors
5. Marvel
Marvel is an all-in-one platform that simplifies turning ideas into interactive mobile apps.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface
- Accurate live preview of prototypes
- Integrates with Photoshop and Sketch
- Supports intuitive image editing
- Flexible and adaptable for various design needs
6. Origami Studio
Created by Facebook, Origami Studio is ideal for designing sophisticated user interfaces.
Key Features:
- Supports native Android and iOS features
- Graphical interface instead of code-based design
- Comprehensive sensor support
- Real-time prototype previews
- Screen recording for demonstration purposes
7. Balsamiq
Balsamiq is a wireframing tool designed to simplify UI planning.
Key Features:
- Online, community-driven platform
- Iterative tools for storing wireframe versions
- Great for teamwork and collaboration
- Multiple variants including Google Drive, Jira, web, and desktop
Conclusion
These innovative tools empower designers to create exceptional apps that enhance user experience, showcase skills, and shape the future of mobile design. By exploring these options, you can identify the tools that best suit your workflow, track your progress, and develop truly remarkable applications.