Design future-proof web and mobile applications with Adobe XD

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Laatste update: 21/11/2024

Adobe has long been a cornerstone of the graphics industry, offering an impressive portfolio of software designed for graphic and multimedia professionals. It is also a leading solution provider for UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design, setting the industry standard for good reason.

With a Creative Cloud subscription, designers gain access to an extensive suite of tools to meet their needs across print, web, and video platforms. Adobe solutions combine professional-grade results with user-friendly interfaces. In response to growing demand for more efficient UX/UI solutions, Adobe introduced Adobe XD. Modern applications require interfaces that are not only visually aligned with a brand’s house style but are also intuitive and functionally logical.

Adobe XD is a comprehensive tool for designing web and mobile applications. The tool can be downloaded for free, and the extended version is included in the Creative Cloud subscription. The software is accessible to both beginners and advanced users, with a simple interface and powerful features that support the creative process.

Adobe XD + DDPS + DAM – the ultimate power combo

Further on, we are happy to share tips on how to use Adobe XD, but first we will zoom in on the endless possibilities due to the collaboration between different tools. Or rather, integration is key.

Because your creative team might benefit from a Dynamic Data Publishing Suite (DDPS). A DDPS gathers data from various databases, such as PIM or CRM, optimally formats the material, and publishes it effectively- all without altering the original database. Your designer retains full control over the final result in Adobe InDesign or other tools. For even greater efficiency, consider taking it one step further with Digital Asset Management (DAM). The perfect combination of automated content creation and supply chain integration. By integrating with your DAM system, you eliminate the risk of using incorrect or outdated data. Images stored in your DAM are automatically incorporated into the templates provided by the DDP Suite. All content is approved and requires no prior review process.

Tips for using Adobe XD

Design in Adobe XD 

In the design environment, you can quickly and professionally create layouts for various applications, including smartphones, tablets, and kiosks, all within a single workspace. Adding images is seamless – just drag and drop from Adobe Stock, external image databases, shared Adobe Cloud libraries, or your own storage.

Familiar features such as character styles, global colours, and symbols are readily available in Adobe XD. Additionally, the software offers unique tools like a non-destructive pathfinder and seamless integration with Photoshop and Illustrator files, preserving layers and effects. With UI kits for various platforms and efficient tools like repeating grids and copy/paste appearance, you can quickly produce consistent, professional designs. Best of all, the output is always responsive.

The prototype environment

In the prototype environment, you can easily add interactions between buttons and screens – no programming required. Simply link screens and define swipe or click gestures by dragging and dropping. Animations are generated automatically, eliminating the need to adjust timelines manually. The preview function allows you to test your final result interactively. Install the Adobe XD app on your mobile devices to test your project directly on the intended platforms.

Online review platform 

Adobe also offers an online review platform that allows you to give feedback and test the application. It allows you to easily add comments, and even include a demonstration video if necessary. The final result can be exported to Adobe After Effects for further editing if required. For collaboration with developers, there is the ‘share for development’ feature. It lets you share your project online, so developers have instant access to all visual details, saving time and making the process more efficient.

Adobe XD & more 

Want to expand your Adobe XD projects? Several external tools are available, e.g., ProtoPie, which allow you to easily add extra design features and impressive animations. Support for multiple timelines allows you to fine-tune visual features. Thus, Adobe XD becomes seamlessly part of a broader design workflow.

Adobe XD is a strong addition to the existing Adobe offering. Its straightforward interface and powerful features make it ideal for quickly designing professional interfaces. A thorough analysis together with the client is essential so you can create a storyboard that clearly reflects the project scope: for an optimal user experience before the creative process begins. Adobe XD offers the perfect solution, responding to the needs of the future.

Tim Melis

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