Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#1

Post by aladial » Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 7:07 PM UTC

I'm sure every designer has its weapon of choice but what is it in your case? If you're working with an app developer what are the deliverables? How do you manage revisions?

I know, there are a lot of questions but I would really appreciate your feedback!

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#2

Post by healthenclave » Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 7:24 PM UTC

Well you could use the usual Photoshop, illustrator .... But also check PaintCode it's a mac only app that helps create vector based UI (in objective-c) for iOs only.

Love to have something similar for Android (no sencha) 'cause the UI for android can be a serious pain.

Basically PaintCode can import svg and photoshop layers and convert them into objective c code. Which can be easily reused, and reconfigured for any new resolution that may come out.

It's not perfect but it's pretty neat http://www.paintcodeapp.com/

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#3

Post by chudi » Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 7:34 PM UTC

For wireframes we use balsamiq and for graphics we try to stick with svg, if we cant, png for each screen resolution that we target. Hope it helps!

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#4

Post by aladial » Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 8:22 PM UTC

healthenclave wrote: post #2

Well you could use the usual Photoshop, illustrator .... But also check PaintCode it's a mac only app that helps create vector based UI (in objective-c) for iOs only. Love to have something similar for Android (no sencha) 'cause the UI for android can be a serious pain. Basically PaintCode can import svg and photoshop layers and convert them into objective c code. Which can be easily reused, and reconfigured for any…

Basically you're saying "multiple apps". Is that cumbersome?

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#5

Post by aladial » Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 8:24 PM UTC

chudi wrote: post #3

For wireframes we use balsamiq and for graphics we try to stick with svg, if we cant, png for each screen resolution that we target. Hope it helps!

I actually meant what tools you use to create the svg/png files...

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#6

Post by signalsignal » Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 8:39 PM UTC

Inkscape for vector files and Gimp for all other stuff. I create all my own graphics and it looks very acceptable. For repetitive work I use scripts, command line programs via MacPorts, or put together my own from Automater.

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#7

Post by pdenya » Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 9:10 PM UTC

I use photoshop. I don't manage revisions effectively for PSDs. It hasn't been a concern for me in the past but if there was an easy way I'd probably use it.

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#8

Post by chudi » Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 9:14 PM UTC

aladial wrote: post #5

chudi wrote: post #3

For wireframes we use balsamiq and for graphics we try to stick with svg, if we cant, png for each screen resolution that we target. Hope it helps!

I actually meant what tools you use to create the svg/png files...

oh sorry! Photoshop! and Illustrator

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#9

Post by mgrassotti » Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 5:08 AM UTC

Used to recommend just paper, but these days my favorite is http://popapp.in - basically you sketch app screens on paper, snap photo of each page and then stitch them together. it's not going to help with process but is a great way to nail down an idea

Re: Ask HN: What tools do you use for mobile apps design?

#10

Post by aladial » Sat, Mar 23, 2013, 11:16 AM UTC

mgrassotti wrote: post #9

Used to recommend just paper, but these days my favorite is http://popapp.in - basically you sketch app screens on paper, snap photo of each page and then stitch them together. it's not going to help with process but is a great way to nail down an idea

Nice app, thanks for sharing. But that works for wireframing. If you're planning to give a different look and feel than the default iOS or Android theme I'm sure you use different tools.