Wireframing for websites, web apps, and mobile apps that you make is as vital as laying the foundations of a tall building before moving on to its walls and roof. Web designers and web developers really need to pay attention during this stage, and perfect the user experience of your app/website with thorough prototype testing tools. I put together a list of cutting edge resources for prototyping and app creation in general, that might come in handy.
Apper
IGenApps Inc. released a stellar app building platform, Apper, which ranks highest in my personal preferences; because I believe it fits like a glove. This is a web-based do-it-yourself platform where designers can easily give shape to flawless apps, share them with others (colleagues, customers), and publish on stores. Overall, it’s the number one tool for ‘appers’, or creative individuals who prefer to steer clear of coding.
Apper is the real deal, and it has a unique feature that goes a long way. The mobile apps made here tend to be very similar to native apps. In addition, the above-mentioned URL feature molds the interface of your app, and calibrates its user experience to achieve the best results on whichever device it’s meant for: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, or Amazon Fire. The pricing associated with using Apper to keep hosting and to maintain your app’s responsive quality, is only $ 4.99/month.
Siberian CMS
Going forward with open-source tools has its benefits, and Siberian CMS would be a first-rate choice. My first impression when using this resource was that of working in a familiar setting, and then it hit me: the user interface from Siberian CMS reminded me of WordPress. If you, like me, build WordPress websites frequently, then you’ll get along just fine with this code-free tool, and have a great time moving modules in place to create fantastic apps for your clients.
It’s important to understand that this is not an average online app builder. In fact, you can install Siberian CMS on your own server. Choose one of the two commercial versions from Siberian CMS. They both enable resellers to keep a wicked awesome app business, in exchange for a one-time payment of $ 250, more or less.
InVision
I wonder what my practice would have been like, if I didn’t come across InVision. To my mind, the first and foremost feature that sets InVision apart from other fine prototyping resources, is the integration with designers’ software like Sketch and Photoshop. This small detail is a big step, because it means that your prototypes won’t just be easy to make, but you will also be able to give them precisely the shape that you want them to have. Run repeated tests on your prototype to purge its UX of errors, and share links with your progress.
A whole army of 400K members has elected InVision as their primary prototyping platform. What’s holding you back from giving it a try, and following in the footsteps of Adobe, Evernote, or LinkedIn?
Proto.io
Proto.io helps deliver highly interactive insights to your clients, because it includes a set of riveting animations. You don’t need to engage your programming skills at all, because you would be able to come up with apps that are just as real, and import your own data, or take your pick from preset icons and iOS, Android, or Windows phone-specific elements. Besides, it’s never been easier to share your visually catching designs with clients, either by short URLs, or through the native player apps of their iOS and Android devices.
AppMachine
I wonder if you ever had the pleasure of working with AppMachine. If you did, then we both know that it turned out to be an astute platform for when you’re building both native and web apps. There is total number of 35 pre-coded blocks just within your reach when you begin, not to mention that you are also free to import your own design elements, as well as connect to web services. Furthermore, AppMachine lets you use CustomJS to add other code and features, and you don’t pay anything until your app is completed.
HotGloo
HotGloo has an award to show off for being an outstanding tool for ‘wireframe UX prototyping’. My first impression was a positive one, as HotGloo has an extra friendly user interface, and it doesn’t take too much of our valuable time to forge amazing apps through this platform. You and your colleagues can work together to build prototypes for any sort of mobile devices, then save in any version, and feel free to use anything from the built-in library, rich with wireframe widgets.
Hybrica
Hybrica is a great mobile app building lab. This excellent online platform offers no less than 25 components that you can use to get started on your project,not to mention that you are allowed to import external assets, as well as edit the code. In addition, any app that you may create is going to be rooted in the rock-solid jQuery Mobile Framework.
PowerMockup
Sometimes, the biggest issue is to get your point across to your team members, and especially to your clients. The presentation of your wireframe has to speak the same language as everyone viewing it, which is why a simple add-on like PowerMockup can make a big difference in your PowerPoint slideshow. This add-on lets you access a sizable library with wireframe stencils and icons, and use anything you find there to create a descriptive presentation of your wireframe. Additionally, you can use plain PowerPoint shapes in order to invent new stencils.
MockFlow
Every creative professional secretly knows that the key to productivity lies in time management. MockFlow is one of the fastest and easiest ways of creating a blueprint for an app or a website. Even further, you don’t even need to have an online connection all the time. With MockFlow, you can step off the grid for a while, and still be able to carry on with your work.
Como
Have you ever heard of Como? If your answer is no, then please allow me to impart some information related to this online platform. First off, you don’t have to invest a lot of energy in crafting wonderful mobile apps for existing online businesses, because Como’s auto-discovery feature will track and gather their available online content.
Solidify
Solidify currently entertains a lush 30-day free trial, and I strongly advise you to give it a shot. You will soon discover that this platform helps you strike up clickable prototypes. In addition, you would also be able to subject your prototypes to a large number of rigorous, device-specific tests.
AppMakr
AppMakr’s middle name is Simplicity. Given that you use this app building platform at least once, you are going to be amazed at how fast it helps you get things done. In less than 20 minutes, you will have finished a beautiful app, and you won’t be charged any extra fees when it comes to publishing it.
Marvel
While I’m still exploring the universe of prototyping tools with a fast turnaround, I need to bring a handy platform named Marvel to your attention. It’s free to use, and presently caters to 51K users. You can rely on this tool to convert your PSD sketches into exquisite mobile and web prototypes.
AppsBuilder
AppsBuilder also enjoys a great reputation, and it’s supported by a staggering number of 1000K members. Almost everyone I asked hurried to confirm it as a superb resource. And the best part is that you can see it for yourself, by taking 14 trial days to build glorious mobile apps for free.
UXPin
UXPin is the final solution that I’m going to include in this extended list of compelling wireframing, prototyping and app making tools. Right now, it sports a free trial that spans over 30 days. Apart from that, anyone can take up a subscription for as little as $ 14.99/month, knowing that subscriptions can be canceled anytime.
So, what did you think about my selection of tools for prototyping and app building? Have you had the chance to try any of them, and how well did they meet your expectations? You can share your views about any resource presented in this article, so that everybody else can learn from your experience.