If you are a UX designer, you must know just how important it is to be up-to-date with design trends constantly. Although most of the design work usually happens on a dedicated work computer, your smartphone is also very capable of assisting your journey as an app or web designer.
We have tested some of the most popular apps available on the Google Play Store that may help aid your workflow as a user experience professional.
1. Figma
Figma is the go-to industry tool that’s preferred by most UX designers around the globe. It’s fast, free, and easy to work with. The Android companion app for Figma is surprisingly very capable of viewing, testing, and even editing your designs remotely.
You are required to log into the same Figma account that you use on your computer or laptop. The app does take a few seconds to load your wireframes and designs, but everything is quick and responsive afterward.
The best use-case scenario for the Figma mobile app is to add or view comments while you’re on the go. You can conveniently share your projects with others to view and interact with, assuming that they, too, have Figma installed on their phone.
Finally, the feature that you most likely will use the most in the app is the ability to prototype and test your designs. This is especially useful if you primarily design mockups for smartphone apps. With the Figma app installed, you can test actions and gestures such as tap, scroll, and pinch to confirm if they work as they should.
Download: Figma (Free)
2. Adobe XD
Right behind Figma, Adobe XD is also an internationally well-acclaimed UX designing and prototyping tool, usually used by web designers. It has the added benefit of working seamlessly with other apps in the Adobe ecosystem. The mobile app, just like Figma’s, is an extension of the Windows or macOS app that allows you to view, edit, and test prototypes on the go.
The app does have its fair share of problems, as seen by the bombardment of one-star reviews on the Play Store listing. However, most of the features seem to be working fine with the newer builds of the app.
If you use Adobe XD primarily on macOS, then you can connect your phone via USB and test your prototypes in real time. Windows users can still mirror their designs on the mobile app, albeit with noticeable sync times between changes.
Download: Adobe XD (Free)
3. Behance
Behance is like a social media platform made for all kinds of designers to showcase their work, and take inspiration from others. As a UX designer, it is immensely important to always be up-to-date with design trends and guidelines.
While Behance is a desktop-first platform, the Android app makes it easy for you to scroll through hundreds and thousands of designs made by the community. If you are a first-time user of the platform, the Android app does a good job of curating content taking into consideration your interests.
The app makes it easy for you to follow specific designers, and even view their stories, similar to how you would on Instagram. You can view, like, share, and bookmark designs that you like within the app itself.
There’s a nifty Explore section that sometimes displays design inspirations and trends you would otherwise have not considered using in your own work. You can upload any designs of your own directly from the app, and reply to comments made by others on your posts.
Download: Behance (Free)
4. ProApp
If you are stepping foot in the field of UI or UX for the first time, ProApp is a great mobile tool to help you hone your skills. It has a wide range of free and paid courses that boost your learning experience.
In addition to the top UX Design courses available online, ProApp has shorter videos that tackle specific areas in fields such as UX, graphic, and web design, and even the up-and-coming areas like NFT and Metaverse art.
The app onboarding collects basic information about your interests and previous qualifications, if any, in the field of design. ProApp then lists bite-sized courses that you can consume at your leisure.
You can enroll in several courses, attend live workshops, get access to design resources, and browse through a comprehensive glossary—all from the app itself. For those looking to start a serious career in any of the design disciplines, the paid subscription to the app makes a bunch of sense.
Download: ProApp (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. MaterialX
MaterialX is an absolute lifesaver for designers working with Google’s Material UI guidelines. The app features a dense selection of pre-made templates which you can use as a reference while designing your own apps.
Everything from a simple sign-up page to a complicated statistics dashboard can be found as assets in the MaterialX app. The design concepts are fully-functional and react to swipes and taps, making it very easy to implement these interactive elements in your own prototypes.
MaterialX also has a few apps that are fully designed. There’s a taxi app that uses a map interface, a news app that showcases what’s happening around, and a dummy social media app with comprehensive design elements.
Download: MaterialX (Free)
6. Fiverr
As a novice in any field, freelancing platforms are a great way to not only gain experience with completing projects hands-on but also be compensated for them. Tech-driven areas like UX and graphic design see a lot of competition in the job market, and this is where Fiverr comes in clutch.
Once you set your profile up with relevant skills and maybe a couple of projects thrown in for display, you can start browsing through an extensive list of projects that may require your UX designing skills to complete.
You can switch out of the seller mode to see other creative professionals and how much they charge for every project. The mobile app also makes it easier for you to track your payments and have follow-up conversations with your clients.
Download: Fiverr (Free)
7. Upwork
Upwork is another popular freelancing service you can use to get your first batch of clients in. Just like Fiverr, the mobile app lets you post job listings, manage clients, and have conversations with them.
Upwork is also a great option for those looking for slightly longer-term projects. There are several job listings with appropriate pay scales for part-time work hours. You can share your previous designs with the help of portfolio websites to your Upwork account and start applying for jobs right away.
Download: Upwork (Free)
Use These Apps to Supplement Your Design Journey
There’s a good bunch of apps on the Play Store that may help you throughout your journey as a UX designer. While companion apps like Figma and Adobe XD are good ways to remotely test and manage your work, apps like MaterialX and Behance are great tools for added inspiration.
Freelancing services like Fiverr and Upwork might also help you tremendously in landing your first few gigs. In fact, using just a smartphone, you can kickstart your journey as a freelance UX designer.
