A prototype is a rudimentary
model or mockup of a concept, product, or service. It's used to assess or
validate design assumptions faster and for less money. In the field of software
or web development, prototyping refers to the process of creating a simulated
user interface for the purposes of conceptualization, evaluation, and getting
customer feedback.
Prototypes have proven to be
extremely useful in generating better design judgments. Prototypes are one of
the most important deliverables in UX design and prototyping, and they are very
critical in the user-centered design process.
A prototype is a visible,
functional product that combines all previous UX design work into a single,
visual product that is used to confirm hypotheses and test designs.
Currently, there are
multiple UI/UX prototyping tools for windows available each with its own
advantages. In the following, we’re going to introduce six best
prototyping tools for Windows any developer can use.
Axure
In a world where there is so
much option, picking a prototype tool is difficult, and new isn't always
better. There are numerous reasons why designers should utilize Axure to
generate feature-rich prototypes.
Axure is a professional and
all-in-one windows prototyping tool that is often recommended and used by most
experienced website designers.
This wireframing tool
enables users to build high-fidelity prototypes and test and share them easily.
Some of the most useful features of this tool include Code Export, dynamic
content, developer handoff and project management.
As one of the best
prototyping tools, Axure is an all-in-one design solution that removes the need
for multiple design tools. Website designers can easily progress to
sophisticated prototypes after designing user flows, personas, customer journey
maps, sitemaps, storyboards, information architecture, and wireframes—all
within Axure.
They can also acquire a
better understanding of how something should be implemented when they hand off
projects to developers. They in turn can work better with product managers to
evaluate the scope and the technical feasibility.
Axure, like other best
prototyping tools, can be rapidly learned and put to use. Built-in widgets for
creating dynamic interactions that non-programmers can understand can be used
right away to create stunning interactions.
Designers who want to dig
deeper and spend more time learning how to use this tool can create elaborate,
realistic websites and applications with complicated interactions.
Proto.io is a cloud-based
web application that allows you to perform all prototype procedures without
having to download or install anything. In this regard, it is compatible with
both Windows and Mac OS.
ProtoPie is the simplest
solution for quickly turning your UI/UX design concepts into highly dynamic
prototypes for smartphones, desktop, web, and IoT. Website designers can use
extremely realistic, production-like prototypes to explore, verify, and test
design solutions and concepts without the need of code or engineers.
As a result, ProtoPie
assists developers and firms in releasing better and verified products,
allowing them to get to market sooner and saving money during the interactive
prototyping process.
ProtoPie has a lot of useful
features. Creating sophisticated prototypes isn't difficult, and anyone who
works as a professional product designer will pick it up quickly.
From micro interactions to
larger and more complicated prototypes, the ultimate results are wonderful.
ProtoPie is available for both Mac and Windows and works well with Sketch and
Adobe XD files.
Invision is one of the best
prototyping tools with built-in web design, prototyping, handoff, and animation
tools. It was voted the most popular app among website designers in 2018.
Its user-friendly design
makes it easier to get to know the software and construct interactive
prototypes. It also contains a number of useful features, including commenting,
project management, and CSS developer handoff, that make collaborating with
other stakeholders and receiving feedback easier.
Over 7 million developers
utilize InVision today to develop a repeatable and efficient design workflow,
quickly design and prototype things before writing the code, and communicate
across their whole organization.
This includes 100 percent of
the Fortune 100, as well as companies like Airbnb, HBO, Amazon, Nike, Netflix,
Slack, Starbucks, and even Uber.
However, Invision is more
expensive than most of its competitors, and it still lacks several crucial
capabilities like the ability to make clickable hover states and direct file import
from AdobeXD.
Mockplus
Mockplus is a free, simple,
and quick prototyping tool with a Windows version available for Windows 7, 8,
10, and Vista users.
As one of the best
prototyping tools, this web-based collaborative design tool brings together
designers, product managers, and website designers to make design more
efficient and effective.
You can use this tool to do
prototyping, import designs from all major design tools, collaborate, and send
over designs to website developers to complete the design process.
With more than 200
components, 3000 icons, and other sophisticated features, this Windows edition
makes creating and editing interactive prototype projects easier and faster for
everyone.
Furthermore, its latest
released version, which includes Auto Data Fill, Team Collaboration, Repeater,
Mind Map Design Mode, and many other features, makes working with it much
easier, smoother, and more enjoyable.
Mockplus is far better for a
beginner or professional UI/UX designer who seeks to quickly and easily
translate his ideas into visual, gorgeous, and interactive prototypes.
Justinmind
Justinmind is a simple
mobile phone app prototyping tool for Windows which enables a UX/UI designer to
create a unique Android or iOS mobile phone app prototype without coding.
Justinmind provides web and
mobile app prototyping and interactive mockups, as well as interactive visuals,
animations, and user testing, as well as collaboration and feedback sharing and
requirements management.
As a result, for a developer
who wants to revise and finalize a mobile phone app prototyping project, this
desktop prototyping tool is a good option.
Key features of this
solution include a comprehensive set of tools for prototyping, support for the
generation of codeless wireframe designs, sharing and receiving feedback on
wireframes, reviewer administration, an AIO package, and data grids and smart
forms.
Don’t forget that although Justinmind
is one of the best prototyping tools available and its monthly price seems
reasonable, it can get very expensive over time. In addition, using this tool
can be challenging for beginners since developing a prototype with it is a
little different from other tools.
Balsamiq
Balsamiq is a simple and
quick wireframing tool that allows UX/UI designers to replicate the experiences
of sketching on a board using a computer. Its Quick Add function also makes it
simple to drag & drop a component.
Balsamiq Wireframes is a
speedy wireframing solution that combines the simplicity and ease of paper
drawing with the capabilities of a digital tool, making it easier to share,
change, and receive honest feedback on your work.
Mockups resemble sketches,
so stakeholders aren't distracted by minor features and can instead focus on
what matters.
Balsamiq enables you to
quickly create basic wireframes and nail down all of the elements of your
website/interface before implementing or creating it with images.
The best feature is the
ability to represent any online design element. It also allows you to depict
those elements in various stages, such as a drop-down menu that can be opened
to display all of the available drop-down possibilities.
Deep customization allows
you to fine-tune an interface before it is put into production. Revision
histories and different layouts allow for a lot of innovation, which is
essential when creating amazing user interfaces.
Although Balsamiq is
considered one of the best prototyping tools among website designers, some of
its features, such as revision histories, are difficult to grasp at first and
necessitate a quick learning curve.
In addition, it takes some
time to experiment with its elements and discover all of the possibilities, as
well as time to realize which elements are available for use.
🔘 Read More: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using .NET
Conclusion
A prototype can be defined
as a representation of the solution you wish to develop. You can demonstrate
all of the features you wish to include in your app, confirm your concept, and
double-check your entire UX approach.
The function of a prototype
can change based on your demands and the stage of the project; how you use it
is entirely up to you.
Prototyping software or
tools are always important when creating SEO-friendly and responsive designs. It's
difficult to build great and responsive website designs without the aid of
these tools.
Prototyping tools come in a
variety of shapes and sizes, depending on your needs. Some focus on front-end
design with wireframes, while others allow for user testing and a basic
demonstration of user flows.
We hope this article can
help you get a better idea of which prototyping tools is suitable for your
design workflow on Windows.
If
you have more questions regarding best prototyping tools or need help with
UI/UX design, feel free to contact our team of website designers and developers.