In the world of digital design, the right choice of tools is key. Today, designers are no longer limited to graphics editors — visual development programs come to the aid. They allow you to create interfaces, layouts, and even full web applications without the need for coding.
If you’re just starting out in design techniques for MVP development, choosing the right program can seem like a challenge. Each of them offers unique capabilities: some are ideal for teamwork, others make the design process intuitive, user-friendly, and others allow you to create complex animations and interactive prototypes.
In this article, Celadonsoft will examine which programs of visual development are most popular among designers, what their advantages and their features. This will help you to decide a tool that will make your work not only comfortable but also as efficient as possible.
Criteria for Selecting Visual Design Software
The choice of the best visual design software is such an important stage for every designer, especially for the one who has just begun to dive into the world of IT. In case you are seeking a tool that will make your work faster, more convenient, and more productive, pay attention to several critical criteria not to get lost in the variety of programs.
1. Operating System Support
The programs can only run on certain platforms: Windows, macOS or be fully cloud-based, accessible through a browser. For example, Figma works in a browser and Sketch is only available on macOS. So before you proceed, it is critical to make sure that the program is compatible with your device.
2. Functionality and Capabilities
Different tools are designed for different tasks. Some are more suitable for creating mock-ups of interfaces, others — for prototyping, and others give the opportunity to immediately build a ready website. For example, Adobe XD offers convenient tools for animation and Webflow allows you to develop sites without coding.
3. Easy Interface and Ease of Operation
If you are just starting to master the design, it is important that the program is intuitively understandable. Some tools, such as Figma, have a friendly interface and are easy to understand even by beginners. Others, such as Webflow, have a more complex structure but give more opportunities to professionals.
4. Team Working Capabilities
Visual design is often a collective process. If you plan to work in a team, please note whether the program has a co-editing feature. For example, Figma allows you to edit your layouts in real time, and InVision offers convenient tools for project discussions.
5. Integration with Other Services
If you want the program to work with other tools, check out its integration capabilities. For example, Adobe XD works well with other Adobe products, and Webflow allows you to export code and adapt it for developers.
6. Cost and Availability
Some programs are free or have free rates, others require subscriptions. For example, Figma has a free version but with limitations, and Sketch requires a one-time purchase of the license. Before choosing, you should evaluate how much the price fits your needs.
The main thing is to pick a tool that will be convenient for you. If you are new to the game, it is better to start with a more intuitive program with free plans like Figma or Adobe XD. If you require advanced features, you should look at Webflow or Sketch.
Overview of Popular Visual Development Programs
Celadonsoft: “There are many tools in the visualization world that help turn ideas into real projects. Picking the right program is an important step for every designer, especially if you are just starting your career in IT. We have prepared a brief overview of the most popular tools that will suit both beginners and experienced professionals.”
Figma — Cloud Freedom and Teamwork
Figma is a great online tool to create UX and UI designs, and prototype, as it directly works in the browser without having to install other programs. This makes Figma a great collaborative tool: several people can edit one project at the same time, leave comments and follow changes in real time.
Pros:
- Free version with many features
- Cross-platform: works on Windows, macOS, and even in browser
- Support for team work
Cons:
- Requires stable internet connection
- In the free version, there are limits on the number of projects
Adobe XD — The Universal Solution from Adobe
Another great tool that is used in designing interfaces and creating interactive prototypes is Adobe XD. It is quite suitable for individuals who are well familiar with the Adobe system and use Photoshop or Illustrator as their primary editing tools. XD contains built-in animation, adaptive design, and team work tools, and therefore, a perfect choice for UI/UX designers.
Pros:
- Deep integration with other Adobe products
- User-friendly and clear interface
- Ability to work both offline and in the cloud
Cons:
- Advanced features available only in the paid version
- Fewer plugins compared to Figma
Sketch — Professional Choice
Probably, Sketch will top the rating list in the popularity among UI/UX designers. It holds the best option in terms of ease of use, offering a library of plugins and templates as well as powerful tools for making mock-ups and prototypes. The important nuance is that Sketch is available solely for macOS.
Pros:
- Great for designing interfaces
- Large number of external plugins
- Intuitive user interface
Cons:
- Mac users only
- No full cloud version
InVision — Interactive Prototyping and Testing
If you need to test the user experience, not just design it, InVision is a great choice. It allows you to upload layouts, add interactive elements and show them to clients or team.
Pros:
- Easy to create interactive prototypes
- Possibility to test designs on real users
- Convenient tools for working together
Cons:
- Limited functionality in free version
- Requires loading of layouts, not working from scratch
Webflow — Visual Programming Without Code
Webflow is not only a design tool. The platform helps create an adaptive site without needing code. It is most in use among web designers who want to develop a layout and get the work done immediately.
Pros:
- Ability to create sites without programming knowledge
- Interactive editor with HTML and CSS support
- Flexibility in the setting of animation and adaptability
Cons:
- More complex to use than Figma or Adobe XD
- Paid fees for publishing sites
How to Choose the Right Program?
Deciding a program for visual development is a significant step that can affect the comfort and productivity of work. To avoid getting confused in the variety of instruments, it is worth considering several key factors:
- What tasks do you need to solve? If your goal is to create interfaces, look at Figma or Adobe XD. If you want to design websites without code, try Webflow. For detailed layout work on macOS, Sketch is the perfect choice.
- Do you work in a team? Working together is most convenient in Figma and InVision, which allow editing projects in real time.
- What is your operating system? Not all programs support Windows, macOS, or browser operation. For example, Sketch is only available on macOS, and Figma works directly in the browser.
- How much money do you have? Many tools offer free versions, but with limited functionality. If you want to access all the features, consider paying fees.
The best way to choose a program is to try several options. Most services offer demo or free versions, so you can test the interface and see how convenient it is.
Summary
Visual design tools ease the work of designers, and the creation process of interfaces is quick and efficient. Whether you are a new designer or an old one, don’t be afraid to test new tools and find what works for you.
