Header image

Top 10 Design Tools For UX And UI (2025 GUIDE)

13/12/2022

1.04k

Selecting software for UX and UI design is never easy. You want to get something that enables you to flex the full extent of your creative muscle, but you also need a tool that will open your mind to new ideas and approaches you’d have missed.

And then there’s the issue of how well the tool coalesces with a team’s administrative procedures, its integration capabilities, and the returns on investment for each pricing plan, among other factors. But don’t worry, we will list the top ten UX and UI design tools to consider using in 2025 and highlight their standout attributes.

Sketch

Sketch is impressive because, thanks to custom grids, it allows you to easily adapt your UI designs to different target device screens and their respective dimensions. It will also let you easily reuse various components to maintain consistency in your designs, which is very important for branding.

Besides the presets and artboards, Sketch offers pixel-level accuracy with a snapping mode and smart guides, so your work has no blemishes. You’ll also benefit from its Boolean editable operations when introducing changes at different stages. Unfortunately, Sketch is only available on macOS, which complicates collaboration.

Sketch

Source: Sketch

Adobe XD

One standout feature of Adobe XD is the 3D Transforms, which allows you to represent different elements from specific perspectives (angles) and varying depths. This makes it ideal for designs intended for augmented and virtual reality systems.

Additionally, Adobe XD offers expansive prototyping capabilities, enabling designers to publish and share interactive designs. With multiple animation options for the smallest components and voice prototyping, you can quickly realize a lively design.

You’ll have a prototype you can speak to, one that speaks back and makes every action feel like an event of its own but still part of a family. Thanks to Adobe XD’s assortment of UI kits, this applies to Google Material Design, Apple Design, Amazon Alexa, and many others.

Adobe XD

Source: Toptal

Figma

Figma’s browser-based wireframing capabilities make it a go-to tool for designers who want to quickly create the skeleton for their designs and share them with colleagues. It also enhances collaboration by allowing users to place comments in their wireframes and receive real-time feedback.

While Figma may seem like a tool best suited for presentations and brainstorming thanks to extensions like FigJam and its drag-and-drop approach, it allows you to convert wireframes into clickable prototypes to get a taste of the intended experience.

Figma

Source: Digidop

Balsamiq

This tool offers a much leaner take on wireframing, going easy on the add-ons and keeping users focused on channeling their whiteboard or notepad workflow. However, it has numerous built-in components to drag and drop into your project’s workspace with minimal learning time. Lastly, Balsamiq works on both PC and Mac.

Balsamiq

Source: Balsamiq

>>> Related articles:

Overflow

Overflow helps you combine designs made in various tools, such as Adobe XD, Sketch, and Figma, to create coherent user flows when envisioning the journey through your app. You can also add device skins.

You can use different shapes and colors to lay out a process’s logic as you draw your user flow diagrams. Those viewing the diagram can easily follow it and see what happens when a particular condition is met and what the screen looks like. Overflow can also convert your prototype links into connectors in the diagram, so you don’t have to redo that work.

Overflow

Source: Overflow

FlowMapp

FlowMapp offers a more stripped-down approach to creating user flow diagrams. This makes it perfect for designers still in the strategizing phase who don’t have many complete screens to include in the diagram.

While it may seem rudimentary, FlowMapp can help you make important discoveries. For instance, some screens may need to be split, with one accessed using a button on another, while others need to be condensed into one because the functionality is highly related.

FlowMapp gives a more comprehensive view, so other stakeholders like copywriters and sales executives can contribute to the UX plan with a greater understanding of the opportunities and boundaries present in the journey. It’s great for choosing where to insert CTAs and additional messages, like warnings at checkout, to combat fraud or collect user feedback.

FlowMapp

Framer

Framer’s code approach, origins, and compatibility with React suit designers focused on the latest web design technologies. Nonetheless, it offers more user-friendly UI design tools and usability testing features.

More importantly, Framer has several plugins that designers can use to embed media players, grids, and other elements into designs to capture content from services like Twitter, Snapchat, Spotify, Soundcloud, and Vimeo. It also has a variety of template categories, ranging from landing pages to startups, splash pages, photography, agency pages, etc.

Framer

Source: Goodgrad

Proto.io

Thousands of templates and digital assets and hundreds of UI components. That is one of the starting points Proto gives you to make your designs come alive within your web browser. Secondly, you can start your prototyping journey by importing files from Adobe XD, Figma, Photoshop, and Sketch.

You’ll also be able to explore different results for touch events, play with many screen transitions, and utilize gestures, sound, video, and dynamic icons. Proto.io comes with mobile, web, and offline modes.

Proto.io

Source: Proto.io

Axure

Axure helps you make prototypes easier to follow by inserting conditional logic. This tool also encourages documenting as you work on high-fidelity prototypes rich in detail. Coupled with the ability to test functions and generate code for handoff to developers, Axure enables team members to comb through work swiftly with minimal oversight, having ready releases much faster.

Axure

Source: Axure

InVision

InVision incorporates digital whiteboarding into the journey to a working prototype, which makes it great for projects where a team wants to keep ideation running concurrently with actual design work for as long as possible.

It comes with a decent list of integration capabilities, ranging from project management tools like Jira and Trello to communication tools like Zoom and Slack. You can even hook up Spotify to provide a soundtrack for members doing freehand brainstorming.

InVision

Source: Invisionapp

Wrapping Up

Every tool has pros and cons, so always consider what phase of the project a specific tool fits into, how well it brings everyone together, and how much creativity it supports. While we’ve focused on Atomic Design In Software Development top ten picks, many other tools could dominate top UI design trends in 2025, such as Marvel, Origami Studio, Webflow, and more. For professional help in selecting the right UX and UI design tools, contact us for a free consultation.

Related Blog

Differences in UX demands of a desktop and mobile app for a SaaS product (1)

Software Development

+0

    Differences In UX Demands Of A Desktop And Mobile App For A SaaS Product

    While it was more common for individuals and institutions to buy software in the earlier days, the concept of software as a service isn’t that new either. And as smartphones get smarter and more accessible, many product companies are shifting their focus to this ballooning market to sustain and increase profit. But even though many have increased revenue by enhancing their mobile apps, some companies are excelling thanks to a good desktop app UX. Mobile apps often shine when it comes to daily life products for the individual end user while desktop apps encapsulate stunning collaboration and productivity solutions. A recent StatCounter study put desktop traffic at 56.51%, with mobile traffic at 50.48%. Many other reports show that there’s still a roughly 60-40 split in mobile and desktop traffic. Both market segments are here to stay, so let’s examine the differences between UX design for desktop and UX design for mobile: UI Details One of the significant differences is that desktop users are more comfortable having plenty of items fixed on a single UI screen/window. In contrast, mobile users have limited screen space and may use their thumbs more than any other finger, so you can hardly get away with a cluttered UI. Not only does it look overwhelming, but it also increases the chances of a user tapping the wrong button/option. Unfortunately, there are no straightforward solutions to this challenge. You're likely to tuck a feature/function two or more screens away, which users won't be so happy about. Luckily, some designs enable you to have retractable menus that slide into place and then slide away. You also have the option to create circular icon menus that appear when you hold down a button for a while. Ultimately, you should have a navigation option that makes it easy to go to the previous page or return to the general menu. Source: Freepik You’ll also need to include a button for the most important action a user can take at that stage in their journey. If it's the opening page, this could be a signup button; if it's a category page, it could be an "add to cart" button or a "buy" button if it's the checkout page. Whatever the CTA is, it should be visible. The user shouldn't have to first scroll down the page. It should also be within the thumb zone, so ensure it's wide enough. UX design for mobile should also consider the unique gestures like swiping, tilting and shaking that can make a mobile app more fun to use, not forgetting the use of haptic feedback to respond to a user’s command. >>> Explore more articles about UI and UX design: Top 10 Design Tools For UX And UI (2025 GUIDE)Top Emerging Trends In App UI Design (2025 OUTLOOK)Atomic Design In Software Development Performance Ideally, both desktop and mobile app versions should be as smooth and fast as possible. However, when you consider the context in which they operate and the behind-the-scenes work involved in making apps faster, you realize that you might need to put more emphasis on one of them. Mobile apps are more likely to be run on devices with limited RAM, storage space and processing power. Additionally, users are more likely to travel with mobile devices to remote areas where internet connectivity may be poorer. This is why it is essential to optimize mobile apps so they can still work fine when low on resources. From memory allocation to caching, reliance on CDNs and compression for lighter media file versions, offline modes, variable streaming bitrates and data template reuse, there are various techniques you can use to achieve higher mobile app performance. Additionally, don’t forget to test on as many devices and OS versions as possible. Personalization Many software users want to feel like the product was made just for them and it deeply understands them. In the past, personalization came in the form of changeable skins, fonts and colors. Later, it advanced to more important features like changing languages, currencies and measurement systems. However, personalization has to evolve even further. For instance, if the user has enabled your mobile app to access their location, can it suggest the perfect playlist when it detects that they are by the beach or at a riverside campsite or safari lodge. Can your shopping app switch to suggestions for sweaters and cold-weather clothes when the user is in a cold region? Will your food app point them to the places with the best hot beverages and confectioneries? Personalization covers several areas, including the way a person types and uses emojis, the order in which they browse pages, how they use search bars and more. Unlike desktop apps that run on devices like work computers that stay in the same place and are shared, or laptops that usually move between work and home, a mobile app often runs on a device that spends most of its time with one person, going everywhere. This is why making mobile app versions as adaptable to the user as possible is crucial. Security and Customer Support On the security front, mobility creates more headaches since it increases the chances of a user losing a device or connecting to an unsecured public network, among other scenarios. This means you should augment mobile apps with more security options, such as fingerprint locks, face ID and other approaches that a mobile device's native hardware can allow. On a deeper level, developers can look into code obfuscation, "root," and "jailbreak detection " to further protect against attack techniques that take advantage of the mobile app-specific architectural and operational characteristics. When it comes to customer support, mobile app UX designers can look into things like the ability to screenshot an error message page and quickly submit it via live chat or tap a call button to speak to an agent. Another vital customer support area is self-help. Remember, desktop app versions have the advantage since there's more space to display a help article column alongside the actual screen/dashboard where the user is working. They can also properly display video demos and offer an Info view where you see what a button or other element does by hovering the cursor over it. That said, mobile app UX designers need to find ways to condense knowledge bases and other self-help materials within the app to simplify the journey from learning to applying. They can also use GIFs to strike a middle-ground between heavy videos and static images when delivering demos. Wrapping Up Overall, it's prudent not to consider the desktop outdated. Instead, focus more on what it easily accommodates, then figure out how to emulate that on mobile devices. As always, it helps to work with a team of professionals conversant with the nuances of developing and delivering desktop and mobile SaaS apps. You can start this journey by contacting the SupremeTech team for a free consultation on how we bring software ideas to life for our clients.

    25/11/2022

    1.57k

    Software Development

    +0

      Differences In UX Demands Of A Desktop And Mobile App For A SaaS Product

      25/11/2022

      1.57k

      Feature (Web) - Top emerging trends in app UI design (2023 OUTLOOK)

      Software Development

      +0

        Top Emerging Trends In App UI Design (2025 OUTLOOK)

        While an app is made with a specific group of people in mind, that is, people who have a problem that the app solves, its user interface has to consider the existence of several sub-groups within that group. UI designers have to ask themselves a wide range of questions, such as: “Does everyone understand what a certain symbol means?” “Could there be an end-user who is blind?” “Will everyone be able to see this button or read this language?” On top of that, they also have to consider business interests like branding and cost efficiency. So, how are they getting better at harmonizing all this? To answer that, let’s discuss the emerging trends in app UI design through the SupremeTech article. Augmented Reality (AR) AR is gradually becoming a more common aspect of various app UIs, particularly because of its wide range of possibilities when using real graphics to communicate. This technology shows that you can communicate quickly and induce different responses by superimposing extra graphics onto an image or video of an actual entity captured. For example, you can create something that’s funny because it's not real, like showing yourself with dog ears or a flower crown. On the contrary, you can also create something that's captivating because it's almost real, like a view of your living room with a couch or your face with makeup. AR gives you a chance to visualize elements you'd otherwise have to put together physically and does so with unprecedented accuracy such that the imaginary representation is as close to the real thing as possible. Some examples of excellent AR usage include Modiface, See My Fit/Virtual Catwalk, IKEA Studio, Amazon Salon, Snapchat, Gucci Sneaker Garage, View in Room and Asian Paints. Voice UI Technically, Voice UI isn't entirely new. For a while, many software tools could respond to commands with something like an error message or instruction in audio form. However, what's changed recently is that thanks to artificial intelligence, users can converse with the software on a device. This is already in use with Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa, but there’s still room to expand. For example, designers can create interfaces that automatically pick up ambient noise in a room and use it as a guideline for adjusting music volume or as a trigger for something else, like a display of birthday party graphics and lighting when a crowd yells “Surprise.” Virtual Reality (VR) VR takes the concept of visualization one step further by immersing you into the space you’re viewing rather than simply pasting it onto a screen. It enables you to perceive dimensional changes when you move within a space, like an object getting closer or farther away. It's one thing seeing an object at the end of a room on a screen while being told the length and width of the room. However, it’s totally different when you’re actually in the room. You’re no longer trying to extrapolate from a smaller image on a screen that is also a certain distance away from your eyes. VR's capabilities are handy when trying to remotely touring a house. Moreover, it is about more than just viewing objects. VR can be used to relay commands that involve body movements, which makes it ideal for use cases like rehearsing a surgical procedure or assembling and repairing an intricate machine. Some good VR apps include Provata VR, Space Explorers, Tilt Brush, and Gravity Sketch. VR is also common in the gaming world. >>> Maybe you are interested: Top 10 Design Tools For UX And UI (2025 GUIDE)Differences In UX Demands Of A Desktop And Mobile App For A SaaS ProductAtomic Design In Software Development Haptic Feedback Haptic Feedback is designed to address a user through their sense of touch. In that sense, haptic feedback messages are usually conveyed as vibrations within the device a user handles. Initially, this technology was used in a basic manner, like notifying someone that they are being called if their phone is in silent mode or that they've chosen the right or wrong option on a screen. Later, it advanced into an exciting way to keep a user engaged by trying to simulate what it’s like to be in a particular situation, like the rattle in a car when it leaves a smooth tarmac track and goes off-road onto a rough and bumpy Murram strip. This use case has been prevalent in gaming controllers. Nevertheless, haptic feedback continues to evolve, with companies like NewHaptic using this technology to create fluid Braille touch screens that use tactile pixels (taxes). Clearly, haptic feedback could be a great tool for making apps more accessible to people with disabilities. Additional trends Many other UI trends are impressive, even though they may not have the most significant impact on user behavior. These include a dark mode, flat UI, glass morphism, metamorphism, animated illustrations, buttonless design and minimalism, asymmetrical layouts, and more. Ultimately, UI is an intersection of expression and technology, which means many designers will come across the same concepts, but the difference will be in execution. On that note, here are a few questions to answer before you jump onto a UI trend: Does it make life any easier for the user, or is it merely a fancy nice-to-have?What does it say about your brand? (futuristic, sleek, nostalgic, sexy, young and vibrant, sophisticated etc.)How much computing resources does it require? (Will it end up slowing down the app and making it heavier, or will everything still run smoothly)Is it inclusive, or does it speak to the strengths of a few while sidelining many who have a specific weakness?How much money will it cost to install and maintain? Lastly, remember that UI design goes hand-in-hand with many other elements of a software product. For instance, an e-commerce app's item display may require a slider to see different angles of a product, while a fitness app may only need a thumbnail for each workout. There are other considerations, like whether the subtle tones of neomorphic buttons would work well for a CTA, which usually needs to stand out. Wrapping Up UI design is a far-reaching aspect of app development that often requires various team members’ input. This can be tricky to execute while responding to changes in user demands and other project challenges during the development lifecycle. If you need professional guidance on addressing every facet of app UI design, contact us for a free consultation.

        08/11/2022

        1.04k

        Software Development

        +0

          Top Emerging Trends In App UI Design (2025 OUTLOOK)

          08/11/2022

          1.04k

          Our success stories

          +0

            OTTclouds Wins Sao Khue Award 2025 – A Proud Moment for SupremeTech

            We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone in SupremeTech’s journey! Our flagship product, OTTclouds, has officially been honored with the Sao Khue Award 2025, one of Vietnam’s most prestigious awards in the software and IT industry.  This recognition marks a proud moment for our entire team and highlights the innovation, dedication, and impact behind OTTclouds — our all-in-one cloud-based platform for OTT, FAST channel, and VOD streaming. As we celebrate this achievement, we’re also looking ahead to new opportunities to expand our reach and support the digital transformation of the media industry both in Vietnam and around the world. SupremeTech – Building Innovative Digital Solutions SupremeTech is a software company based in Da Nang, Vietnam, delivering tailor-made digital solutions to clients worldwide. Our team excels in a wide range of services, including web and mobile application development, AI and data engineering, cloud infrastructure and DevOps, quality assurance and software testing, as well as providing dedicated development teams for long-term collaboration. One of our primary products is OTTclouds – a comprehensive solution for streaming video content over the internet. This platform has enabled media companies to launch services quickly and scale efficiently. And now, OTTclouds has been honored with one of the most respected tech awards in Vietnam. What is OTTclouds? OTTclouds is an all-in-one FAST channel and OTT streaming solution that helps businesses deliver video content online. It includes services for: Streaming FAST channels (Free Ad-Supported TV)Video on Demand (VOD)Content management system (CMS)User and subscription managementAdvertising integrationCross-device support (Smart TVs, mobile apps, web)Analytics to track viewer behavior and platform performance OTTclouds helps content owners reduce costs, speed up time-to-market, and scale their services easily. It’s ideal for media companies seeking to deliver high-quality streaming without incurring the expense of building expensive infrastructure. From Global Projects to the Local Market Since its launch, OTTclouds has been utilized in numerous international projects, enabling media businesses to deliver content to audiences worldwide. Our platform helps clients: Save money on servers and hardware.Launch new streaming services faster.Reach users across many platforms.Grow their systems in tandem with their audience's growth. Now, we’re ready to bring OTTclouds to more businesses in Vietnam. As the demand for online content continues to rise, local broadcasters, publishers, and content creators are seeking new ways to engage with their viewers. OTTclouds is here to help them do that with a modern, flexible, and easy-to-use solution. Why the Sao Khue Award Matters Winning the Sao Khue Award 2025 is a proud and meaningful achievement for both OTTclouds and the entire SupremeTech team. More than just a prestigious award, this recognition is a clear validation that our hard work is creating real impact and value for the media and broadcasting industry. Presented by VINASA (Vietnam Software and IT Services Association), the Sao Khue Award is one of the highest honors in Vietnam’s technology sector. Each year, it highlights the most innovative and high-performing software products in the country, and OTTclouds was selected in the category of New Software Products and Solutions for its flexibility, scalability, and practical benefits to the media industry. This milestone reinforces our commitment to developing future-ready, cloud-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of content providers. It also provides us with a strong foundation to build greater trust with new clients, expand our presence in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and continue to improve our product to serve a wider network of partners. We are deeply grateful to the judging committee for this recognition and sincerely thank all our clients and partners who have supported and believed in us along the way. Ready to Build Your Streaming Platform? If you’re looking to launch an OTT or FAST channel service or want to enhance your current video streaming system, OTTclouds is ready to support you. Learn more about OTT Streaming Solution and contact us for a demo or consultation. Let’s build the future of digital broadcasting — together.

            22/04/2025

            46

            Our success stories

            +0

              OTTclouds Wins Sao Khue Award 2025 – A Proud Moment for SupremeTech

              22/04/2025

              46

              Our culture

              +0

                From Seeking The Path to Leading The Way: Phuoc’s Journey at SupremeTech

                Are you curious how someone with no IT background made a bold leap into tech and ended up leading a team? Starting with no formal IT background, Phuoc took a leap of faith into the world of Infrastructure at SupremeTech. What began as a fresh start during the pandemic has become an inspiring tech career journey from entry-level newcomer to the leader of our Infrastructure team. In this inspiring interview, Phuoc shares the lessons learned, the power of making mistakes, and how embracing challenges helped shape his career in tech. First Impressions That Last Hi Phuoc! What was your first impression when you joined SupremeTech?I still remember my first day at SupremeTech. What impressed me most… was the smell of a brand-new office! (laughs)It might sound funny, but that paint smell felt comforting. It reminded me of my first job after graduation, working at a new construction site—filled with excitement, hope, and anticipation. Whenever I catch that same scent, it brings back the feeling of a fresh start. From Tourism to Tech: A Career Switch Sparked by Fate We heard you used to work in the tourism industry. What made you switch to IT?Yes, I worked as an admin in the tourism sector. Shifting careers felt like fate. Honestly, it might sound silly, but I chose SupremeTech mainly because they offered a MacBook! (laughs).At the time, I was looking to change my career to IT Infrastructure and had passed interviews at two companies. But when I discovered SupremeTech would provide a MacBook, I was so excited I couldn’t say no.Back then, I felt like a blank sheet of paper. Starting in a completely new field was a huge challenge. But thanks to the support from my teammates, I slowly adapted and began to grow. Starting During COVID: Remote Work and Early Struggles Changing industries isn’t easy. What was the toughest challenge for you?I joined SupremeTech during the COVID pandemic, so the biggest challenge was starting remotely. I didn’t know anyone, and everything was done over Google Meet. Building connections, understanding the work, or communicating effectively was hard. When we finally returned to the office, I was so happy to meet my teammates, mentors, and colleagues in person. That’s when my real learning journey began.One of the most memorable challenges? Making mistakes. I’ve never been afraid of being wrong—in fact, I enjoy it. I made many mistakes initially, but each one taught me something. Most of them happened because I didn’t think far enough ahead. Over time, I learned to be more thoughtful and less overconfident. Lessons from Mistakes: Learning the Hard Way How did you manage to get through those mistakes?Mistakes are valuable lessons. Now, I even create small “traps” in internship assignments based on the mistakes I once made. It helps them encounter real problems and learn through hands-on experience. You remember things better when you figure them out yourself, rather than just reading about them. After every project, our team writes a retrospective report noting what could have been done better. One mistake equals one lifelong lesson. Facing Challenges with a Grateful Mindset You talk a lot about challenges—what does that word mean to you?To me, challenges are a kind of “fate”. They don’t just happen by chance. You have to find a way to overcome them when they show up.They might feel overwhelming at the moment, but when I look back, I feel grateful—even thankful for the people who gave me those challenges. Every company has its problems. What matters is how you deal with them and what you learn along the way. From Fresher to Team Leader: A Role Earned Through Action You’re a team leader now. How did that role come to you?Honestly, I didn’t expect to become a leader so soon. But I’ve never been the type to wait around for task assignment. At the associate level, I tried to help interns and share my experience. I focused on building strong communication and genuine connections.As a mentor, I always try to lead by example. So when I was promoted, I already felt ready. When you sincerely help others, good things naturally come your way. A Culture of Calm and Growth What’s something special about the work environment at SupremeTech?SupremeTech has a very peaceful work environment. There’s no office politics or unnecessary drama. It’s a safe and supportive place where people can grow. But that doesn’t mean the work is easy. During projects, it can feel like going into battle. Everyone has to stay sharp and take ownership to solve problems. It’s an outstanding balance—our culture is kind, but our work ethic is fierce. That reflects SupremeTech's core values: be kind in life and embrace Passion and Challenge at work. Words of Advice for Young IT Professionals What would you say to young people just starting their careers in IT?Make mistakes while you still can. Don’t be afraid to be wrong. You’ll learn more from your errors than from any books.Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t avoid difficult things, especially if you want to grow beyond your comfort zone. Looking Back: Any Regrets? Looking back at your tech career journey, do you have any regrets?Not at all. Every step I’ve taken has been worth it. Skills are essential, but the environment shapes who you become. I love investigating new problems and finding solutions. My curiosity has given me more experiences than most people at my level haven’t had, which helps me grow every day. Final thought Thank you, Phuoc, for sharing your honest and inspiring story. We wish you continued passion, positivity, and success on your tech career journey with SupremeTech!

                11/04/2025

                106

                Our culture

                +0

                  From Seeking The Path to Leading The Way: Phuoc’s Journey at SupremeTech

                  11/04/2025

                  106

                  Customize software background

                  Want to customize a software for your business?

                  Meet with us! Schedule a meeting with us!