Zazzle Media, by Jamie Leeson
Although not a design trend per se, rapid prototyping tools are definitely one of the most useful breakthroughs to hit the web design world over the last year or so and are a must-have tool for any web, UI and UX designer.
Rapid prototyping tools from services such as, UXpin, Webflow, InVision and Marvel (amongst many others) all allow designers to quickly create working low and high fidelity prototypes of sites and services to gauge their usability and aesthetic, all without writing a single line of code. Many also allow you to design in the browser and then actually launch the site itself right from the tool.
Their ease-of-use and functionality gives an instant like-for-like experience of how the finished product would look and work in the browser, saving precious hours, resources and would-be setbacks.
What’s also beneficial in their application is what comes from the client side. Gone are the days of showing client static wire-frames and mockups, explaining in great detail every subtle animation and transition. Your clients get to see exactly how it works and looks, without any long, complicated conversations about user experience or transition speeds.
The screenshot above from Webflow gives an example of what can quickly be designed within the browser, as well as the code it generates for developers to be able to use and implement right away.
Our prediction: There are so many tools available today, it’s testament to how successful they are and how many businesses have already adopted them. We anticipate even more brands and designers jumping on the band-wagon in pursuit of streamlined workflows and increased efficiency