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Ask DN: What are some tools you use at different stages of designing an App ?

over 8 years ago from , Indie Developer

I am new to App designing. I have recently started designing apps for iOS and Mac. Being a developer, I would like to know what tools do good designers use to demonstrate 'look and feel' and 'animations' of the app, at different stages of designing.

5 comments

  • Andrew CohenAndrew Cohen, over 8 years ago

    For me I spend most of my time in Sketch (http://bohemiancoding.com/sketch/) for wireframing, user flows, UI, and visual work.

    When it comes to animations I'm still trying to figure that out. I've been demoing Pixate (pixate.com) and I enjoy it, but wish it didn't require me to have a device to preview everything. A co-worker of mine is giving me a lesson in After Effects tomorrow so I have a feeling I'll be sticking with that for now on that front.

    3 points
    • Chintan Ghate, over 8 years ago

      Thank you. This is exactly the kind of answer I was looking for. Let me know how it goes with After Effects. I had one questions though, which tool do you use to create gifs or anything else inorder to visualize animations ?

      0 points
  • Daniel CondraDaniel Condra, over 8 years ago

    Facebook and IDEO both have add ons to Quartz Composer called Origami and Avocado respectively. Both add quite a few patches that woot quite well for prototyping. If you are looking for something cheep, I'd use this.

    0 points
  • Aayush IyerAayush Iyer, over 8 years ago

    Look and Feel, or Animations can mean different things in different stages of your design. Early on, it could refer to the spatial model that your app conveys - should this push left? Is this invoked modally?

    At this stage, I’ve found Marvel App particularly useful. I also use XCode’s storyboards at this point with PNGs to simulate motion - which may be of use to you.

    As you get closer and closer to refinement, your demonstrations may be about fidelity instead of viability. At this point, tools like Quartz Composer and Framer are great. Using the former (particularly if you are a fan of the POP framework) might help add some level of finality towards the design.

    0 points
    • Chintan Ghate, over 8 years ago

      I follow a similar workflow. Can I know what you do before you ever open Xcode to write code ? Like what do you use to wireframe the app, or create gifs to visualize the animations. I am trying to separate designing and coding phase as much as possible. Thank you.

      0 points