The Top 20 Tools UX Designers Should Know

2. Sketch

Sketch is widely recognized among UX and UI designers as the go-to software for vector-based design—particularly for designers working on Macs. Sketch is packed with features for creating detailed user interfaces, icons, and prototypes. Designers love this tool’s simplicity, extensive plugin ecosystem, and seamless integration with other design tools, making it a favorite for anyone focusing on crafting pixel-perfect visuals.

1. Functionality—Mac-only, vector-based software for creating high-fidelity user-interface designs.
2. Ease of use—Extremely user friendly for Mac users.
3. Collaboration features—Shared libraries and version control via plugins.
4. Integrations—Integrates with Zeplin, Abstract, and other design systems.
5. Value for money—A single-license fee and also cost effective for teams.

Pros:

• Lightweight and fast, ideal for UX and UI design.
• A vast range of plugins for customization.

Cons:

• Mac-only software, which limits cross-platform collaboration.
• Advanced functions often require additional plugins.

3. Adobe XD

Part of the Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe XD is specifically designed for UX and UI design professionals. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for wireframing, interactive prototyping, and design collaboration. With Adobe XD, you can build and test user flows, create responsive layouts, and even work with voice prototypes. It’s an excellent option for designers already familiar with Adobe products, as it integrates smoothly with Photoshop, Illustrator, and other Creative Cloud apps.

1. Functionality—Part of Adobe Creative Cloud, providing prototyping and wireframing tools.
2. Ease of use—Easy to learn for users who are familiar with Adobe products.
3. Collaboration features—Real-time collaboration and live coediting.
4. Integrations—Seamless integration with Photoshop, Illustrator, and other Adobe tools.
5. Value for money—Part of Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions; making it costly for those with smaller budgets.

Pros:

• Strong design capabilities that are well integrated into the Adobe ecosystem.

Cons:

• Subscription-based and may be too pricey for some users.
• Fewer prototyping features than dedicated tools.

4. InVision

InVision is more than just a design tool; it’s a platform that streamlines prototyping, collaboration, and project management. Known for its interactive-prototyping capabilities, InVision lets you create clickable prototypes and share them with clients and team members to gather their feedback. Its easy-to-use collaboration features such as live commenting and real-time updates make it easy to iterate on designs and stay aligned on project goals.

1. Functionality—Focused on prototyping and collaboration, providing interactive mockups for feedback.
2. Ease of use—A low learning curve; easy to access.
3. Collaboration features—Team-based feedback and review facilitates design iteration.
4. Integrations—Works well with Sketch, Slack, and Trello.
5. Value for money—Free for individual projects; paid plans available with extra features.

Pros:

• Simplifies gathering feedback from clients and product teams.
• Powerful for managing design revisions.

Cons:

• Limited design features, so often used in conjunction with other tools.
• Pricing can be high for larger teams.

5. Axure RP

Axure RP is a high-powered tool for creating advanced wireframes and interactive prototypes. It’s ideal for UX professionals who need to simulate complex interactions and workflows. Axure lets you build dynamic, data-driven prototypes and add functionality such as conditional logic, variables, and calculations. This makes it the go-to tool for UX teams who need detailed project documentation and conduct usability testing.

1. Functionality—Robust tool for detailed wireframing and prototyping with interactive capabilities.
2. Ease of use—Something of a learning curve is necessary; offers powerful tools.
3. Collaboration features—Useful for multiple users on complex projects.
4. Integrations—Integrates well with Adobe XD, Sketch, and Microsoft tools.
5. Value for money—Pricier, but worth it for advanced prototyping.

Pros:

• Supports conditional logic for complex prototypes.
• Ideal for testing complex user interactions.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for new users.
• Higher cost might not fit everyone’s budget.

Research and Testing Tools

To create products that meet users’ needs, UX designers need to know a lot about their users. Research and testing tools play a very important role in gathering information about users’ needs, behaviors, and problems directly from them. With these tools, UX designers and researchers can test their ideas and assumptions, make smart design choices, and create products that better serve users’ needs. Let’s look at some important tools that can help teams conduct good user research and usability testing.

6. UserTesting

UserTesting is a user research and usability testing tool that lets you get direct, unbiased feedback from real users. With UserTesting, you can record sessions and observe how users interact with your Web site, app, or prototype. This tool is perfect for identifying painpoints, understanding user behaviors, and refining your designs based on actionable insights, ultimately leading to a more user-centric product.

1. Functionality—For testing and gathering user feedback on designs and prototypes.
2. Ease of use—Simple to set up and start testing.
3. Collaboration features—Teams can observe live usability tests.
4. Integrations—Aligns with Slack, Trello, and other tools for sharing user feedback.
5. Value for money—Paid plans provide valuable insights.

Pros:

• Provides real user feedback that informs design decisions.
• An extensive pool of users provides diverse feedback.

Cons:

• Expensive for continuous testing.
• Limited customization options for certain tests.

7. Lookback

Lookback makes remote usability testing and user interviews effortless. With live observation features, you can watch users as they navigate your product. Plus, with session recording, you can analyze their interactions later on. Real-time chat and video features let you interact with users directly, making it easy to ask them follow-up questions and dive deeper into their thought process.

1. Functionality—Software for live usability testing and remote user interviews.
2. Ease of use—User friendly and easy to use.
3. Collaboration features—Teams can watch live or recorded sessions together.
4. Integrations—Well-integrated with Slack, Trello, and other tools.
5. Value for money—Paid plans are tailored for teams focusing on user research.

Pros:

• Ideal for engaging in the gathering of real-time user feedback.
• Recordings allow detailed analysis.

Cons:

• Can be too expensive for smaller teams.
• Limited testing features in comparison to competitors.

8. Optimal Workshop

Optimal Workshop offers a suite of UX research tools that can help you understand user behavior, including tools for card sorting, tree testing, and surveys. These are essential tools for those who need to improve a site’s information architecture and navigation system. With Optimal Workshop, you can collect data on how users categorize information and make decisions, which can help you make data-informed design changes.

1. Functionality—Research UX tool for card sorting and tree testing for information architecture.
2. Ease of use—Very user-friendly; designed for research.
3. Collaboration features—Easily share your findings with your team.
4. Integrations—Works well with other research and design tools.
5. Value for money—Paid plans offer more features; a free plan is available for basic research.

Pros:

• Excellent for testing navigation structures.
• Quick setup and analysis of user flows.

Cons:

• Not ideal for full-scale usability testing.
• Limited features beyond those that support information architecture.

9. Hotjar

Hotjar is a versatile tool for visualizing user behaviors through heatmaps, session recordings, and feedback polls. This tools shows where users are clicking, how far they scroll, and where they may be dropping off. These insights are invaluable for spotting user-behavior trends and identifying areas of improvement, enabling you to optimize your Web site or app for a better user experience.

1. Functionality—Provides heatmaps, session recordings, and feedback polls to understand user behaviors.
2. Ease of use—Simple setup with a minimal learning curve.
3. Collaboration features—You can share insights and recordings with colleagues.
4. Integrations—Compatible with Google Analytics and Slack.
5. Value for money—A free plan is available; paid plans unlock advanced features.

Pros:

• Visual tools such as heatmaps provide insights into user behaviors.
• Affordable for small teams.

Cons:

• A free plan offers limited features.
• Focuses primarily on Web-site behaviors, not apps.

10. UsabilityHub

UsabilityHub is perfect for quick, straightforward usability testing. You can test design elements, navigation systems, and usability with real people, getting feedback in just minutes. This tool is ideal for gathering early-stage insights on user preferences, brand perception, and the effectiveness of layouts, helping you shape your design directions with confidence.

1. Functionality—Allows quick usability tests and gathering feedback on designs.
2. Ease of use—Very easy to set up and conduct tests.
3. Collaboration features—Share your test results for joint analysis.
4. Integrations—Works well with other user-research tools.
5. Value for money—Paid plans are affordable for small to medium-sized teams.

Pros:

• Fast usability testing for gathering rapid feedback.
• Ideal for validating design decisions.

Cons:

• Limited features for in-depth research.
• Not as robust as dedicated testing tools.

Collaboration and Workflow Tools

Collaboration is at the heart of UX design, especially for today’s remote workers and hybrid work environments. Teams can stay in touch, keep track of their tasks, and keep moving forward on projects with the help of good workflow and collaboration tools. These tools make it easier for teams to communicate, manage design assets, and keep everyone aligned, which is essential for creating consistent, high-quality user experiences. Let’s consider some of the best tools that make it easier for teams to work together and improve their design workflow.

11. Slack

Slack is a top choice for team communication and collaboration, with features that go beyond simple messaging. You can create channels for different projects, integrate with your favorite tools, and share files seamlessly. Slack’s various integrations make it easy to keep all your project updates, design files, and feedback in one place, fostering real-time collaboration and reducing reliance on lengthy email chains.

1. Functionality—Channels and direct messages create unified communication on teams.
2. Ease of use—An easy-to-use, smooth user experience.
3. Collaboration features—Channels and integrations make Slack a collaboration hub.
4. Integrations—Integrates with major apps such as Google Drive, Figma, and Trello.
5. Value for money—A free plan is available, but premium plans offer more features.

Pros:

• Keeps team communications well organized.
• Integrates with virtually every other tool.

Cons:

• Notifications can become overwhelming.
• A free plan has limitations for search and storage.

12. Miro

Miro is a digital whiteboard that’s ideal for brainstorming, planning, and visual collaboration. Whether you’re mapping out user flows, creating mind maps, or organizing project tasks, Miro’s drag-and-drop user interface makes it easy to visualize your ideas. Plus, with its real-time collaboration features, Miro is a great tool for remote teams who want to feel connected and engaged, no matter where they are.

1. Functionality—A digital whiteboard for brainstorming and sketching ideas through real-time collaboration.
2. Ease of use—Easy and aesthetically appealing.
3. Collaboration features—Supports real-time collaboration with video chat and a presentation mode.
4. Integrations—Compatible with Slack, Trello, and Google Drive.
5. Value for money—Offers a free plan; paid plans available for larger teams.

Pros:

• Infinite canvas for brainstorming sessions.
• Ideal for remote team meetings.

Cons:

• Takes time to learn all the features.
• Best for brainstorming rather than high-fidelity design.

13. Zeplin

Zeplin provides a bridge between UX designers and developers, ensuring that designs are implemented accurately. With Zeplin, designers can export their files directly to the platform, where developers can access the specs, assets, and styles they need. This tool also offers features for commenting and version control, helping teams stay aligned throughout the design-to-development process.

1. Functionality—Bridges design and development by supporting the creation of design specs.
2. Ease of use—Simple and streamlined; a minimal learning curve.
3. Collaboration features—Facilitates handover between designers and developers.
4. Integrations—Works with Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD.
5. Value for money—Good for teams needing design-to-development handoff solutions.

Pros:

• Reduces the time spent on creating design specifications.
• Minimizes confusion during design handoffs.

Con: Limited functionality for design handoffs so users must rely on other tools.

14. Google Analytics

Google Analytics is essential for understanding how users interact with a Web site or app. From tracking page views to identifying traffic sources, Google Analytics provides detailed insights into user behaviors and conversion rates. By analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions that improve your site’s performance and enhance the overall user experience.

1. Functionality—Tracks user behaviors, acquisitions, and demographics to inform design decisions.
2. Ease of use—Requires some learning; well-documented.
3. Collaboration features—Share your insights with team members.
4. Integrations—Compatible with most Web-site and app platforms.
5. Value for money—Free, with a paid version for advanced analytics.

Pros:

• Provides comprehensive data on user behaviors.
• Free to use for most features.

Con: Complex for beginners; requires familiarity with data analysis.

15. Trello

Trello is a visual project-management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize their tasks and workflows effectively. It’s perfect for UX designers who want to track their projects’ progress and manage deadlines in a straightforward way. You can create boards for different projects, assign tasks to team members, and even add checklists and due dates. With its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality, Trello makes collaboration seamless and helps keep everyone on the same page.

1. Functionality—A project-management tool that uses boards for organizing tasks.
2. Ease of use—Very user friendly and easy to use.
3. Collaboration features—Great for team collaboration and tracking projects’ progress.
4. Integrations—Connects with various tools, including Slack and Google Drive.
5. Value for money—Free for basic use; affordable paid plans are available.

Pros:

• Visual project-management keeps tasks organized.
• Flexible and customizable workflows.

Cons:

• Limited features in the free plan.
• May become cluttered for larger teams.

User-Experience Analysis Tools

Understanding how users interact with a product is key to creating a successful user experience. UX analysis tools provide designers with insights into user behaviors through heatmaps, session recordings, and feedback surveys. These insights can help you identify areas for improvement, validate your design choices, and shape future versions. By leveraging these tools, UX designers can ensure their products are not only functional but also delightful to use. Let’s explore some powerful UX analysis tools that can help you make data-driven design decisions.

16. Crazy Egg

Crazy Egg offers a suite of tools for visualizing user interactions, including heatmaps, scroll maps, and A/B testing. It’s perfect for seeing which parts of your site are getting the most attention, where users may be losing interest, and testing different design variations. Crazy Egg’s insights help you optimize your layout and content for better engagement and conversions.

1. Functionality—Provides heatmaps and A/B testing for user-behavior analysis.
2. Ease of use—Easy setup; user-friendly interface.
3. Collaboration features—Share insights with team members easily.
4. Integrations—Works with Google Analytics, Shopify, and WordPress.
5. Value for money—Offers a free trial; paid plans are available with more features.

Pros:

• Insightful visualizations of user interactions.
• Easy to interpret data and metrics.

Cons:

• Some features can be complex to configure.
• Monthly fees can add up with continuous usage.

17. Google Forms

Google Forms is a simple, accessible tool for gathering feedback and conducting surveys. It’s incredibly easy to set up and customize, allowing you to collect valuable insights from users, whether you’re looking to understand their preferences, gather general feedback, or conduct a quick poll on design options.

1. Functionality—A simple tool for creating surveys and collecting user feedback.
2. Ease of use—Extremely easy to understand and use; no prior experience is necessary.
3. Collaboration features—Easily share for team input.
4. Integrations—Integrates seamlessly with Google Drive and Sheets.
5. Value for money—Free to use.

Pros:

• Fast and easy collection of user feedback.
• The data you collect integrates well with Google Sheets.

Cons:

• Basic design; limited customization options.
• Less suitable for complex survey needs.

18. Typeform

Typeform takes surveys to the next level with its interactive, visually appealing forms. The conversational format engages users, making them more likely to complete a survey. This tool is perfect for collecting user feedback, conducting market research, or running quizzes that provide insights in a way that feels more engaging and user friendly.

1. Functionality—Engaging form and survey builder for user-feedback collection.
2. Ease of use—Very user friendly, with a modern user interface.
3. Collaboration features—Easy to share results with your team.
4. Integrations—Integrates with Slack and Google Sheets.
5. Value for money—A free plan with essential features; premium plans are available for more capabilities.

Pros:

• Creates visually appealing, interactive surveys.
• Great for user engagement.

Cons:

• Limited features on the free plan.
• Can be expensive for larger teams needing advanced features.

19. Airtable

Airtable combines the functionality of a spreadsheet with the power of a database, making it a flexible tool for managing projects and organizing information. You can use it to track design tasks, manage client feedback, and even collaborate with your team on various aspects of a project. Airtable’s visual layouts and customization options make it a go-to for teams looking to streamline their workflow.

1. Functionality—A flexible database tool for managing projects, ideas, and user feedback.
2. Ease of use—A user-friendly tool with a spreadsheet-like user interface.
3. Collaboration features—Shareable databases allow team collaboration.
4. Integrations—Works with various tools, including Slack and Zapier.
5. Value for money—A free tier is available; paid plans unlock more features.

Pros:

• Highly customizable for different project- management needs.
• Supports different views, including grid, calendar, and gallery views.

Cons:

• Complexity may grow with larger databases.
• Paid plans can get costly for premium features.

20. Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace where you can organize notes, tasks, and project details in a customizable layout. It’s perfect for UX designers and teams who want to keep everything organized, from brainstorming ideas to planning projects. With Notion, you can create databases, write documentation, and even manage tasks, all within a single, cohesive platform.

1. Functionality—All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, and databases.
2. Ease of use—Simple to set up and navigate.
3. Collaboration features—Supports team collaboration and document sharing.
4. Integrations—Integrates with other productivity tools.
5. Value for money—A free plan is available; competitive pricing for teams.

Pros:

• Highly flexible and customizable for team needs.
• Great for project management and documentation.

Cons:

• The tool can become overwhelming with so many features.
• A steeper learning curve for complex setups.

Conclusion

That’s it! These are the top 20 tools every UX designer should consider adding to their toolkit. From design and prototyping to research and analytics, these tools can help you craft excellent user experiences and user interfaces. As you start exploring these resources and integrating them into your workflow, remember that the right tools really can make all the difference in enhancing your designs and workflows.