Part 4 - Building Robust Enterprise Systems: An Introduction to Essential Technologies ( Design Tools)
Written by : Sanjay Purohit
Having looked at front-end, back-end, API, and database technologies, we now move onto the realm of design in enterprise-level systems. Design tools are essential components in the process of software development. They are used by designers and developers to conceive, plan, and visualize the interfaces, experience, and flows of software applications.
What is Design Tools ?
Design tools serve multiple purposes in the development lifecycle. They help in creating wireframes, or low-fidelity sketches of the application; designing high-fidelity, interactive prototypes; handling user experience (UX) design and user interface (UI) design tasks; and even collaborating with the team and stakeholders to gather feedback.
Below, we discuss some popular design tools commonly used in enterprise-level systems:
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Adobe XDAdobe XD is a vector-based user experience design tool for web apps and mobile apps, developed and published by Adobe Inc. It enables you to design, prototype, and share interactive user experiences.
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Sketch
Sketch is a vector graphics editor for macOS developed by the Dutch company Bohemian Coding. It's widely used for designing user interfaces for mobile apps and websites.
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Figma
Figma is a cloud-based design tool that is similar to Sketch in functionality but with added features like real-time collaboration.
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InVision
InVision is a prototyping tool that allows designers to create interactive and dynamic design layouts and share them with team members or clients.
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Balsamiq
Balsamiq is a rapid wireframing tool that helps you work faster and smarter. It reproduces the experience of sketching on a whiteboard but using a computer.
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Zeplin
Zeplin is a collaboration tool for designers and developers. It facilitates a smooth transition from designs to real, working code by providing detailed specifications and automatically generated code snippets.
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Marvel
Marvel is a design, prototyping, and collaboration application. You can create interactive mockups for your designs and get feedback from your team and clients.
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Axure RP
Axure RP is a comprehensive tool for creating prototypes without coding. It also offers tools for creating flowcharts and other forms of graphical documentation.
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Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a vector graphics editor for Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, and iOS. It's often used for creating illustrations, icons, branding, UI designs, typography, print projects, and mockups.
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UXPin
UXPin is a product design platform used by the best designers on the planet. It allows you to design systems, interactions, and high-fidelity prototypes, all in one place.
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Proto.io
Proto.io is an application prototype platform launched in 2011. It allows users to create mobile application prototypes capable of simulating the flow, transitions, and interaction of an actual app.
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Canva
Canva is a graphic design platform, used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, and other visual content. Although it mainly caters to non-designers, it's also used for quick prototyping and wireframing.
While these tools are essential, remember that they serve to complement the design process rather than replace it. Good design is a combination of the right tools, the right skills, and a solid understanding of the users' needs.
Next up, we'll be exploring DevOps tools, so stay tuned!
