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Looking for a user-friendly, multi-faceted design software? Sketch may be the best option for you. Designed for MacOS, Sketch is a software that allows the user to work on design projects and prototypes with the ability to share and collaborate on projects. Sketch is an established software that has been tested and updated for over a decade, so tutorials, articles, and other resources are plentiful.
Sketch was designed in 2010 by Dutch company, Sketch B.V. This digital design editor is mainly used to design websites and mobile applications. The goal of Sketch is to create a user interface and user experience design experience that is efficient, user-friendly, and collaborative.
Since the software utilizes vector-based graphics, the graphics are scalable and many are provided with the program. The software is updated regularly with new features that improve systems for users.
Collaboration can occur asynchronously or in real-time using Sketch Cloud. Users can be assigned to whole projects or different parts of projects and version histories can be seen by assigned users to assist in the design editing process. This protects design systems from being incorrectly overridden or changed without agreement.
Even though Sketch is designed for MacOS, it is browser-based and, once a webpage or mobile application is designed in Sketch, it can be used in a variety of platforms and operating systems. Sketch can also be used with other apps and plugins.
Sketch is used in a variety of fields including User Interface (UI) Design, User Experience (UX) Design, Graphic Design, App Developers, and more. According to the UX Tools 2020 Survey of UX designers, product managers, and others that utilize design tools, Sketch ranked in the top three in a variety of categories. Respondents reported that Sketch was one of the top three UI tools for prototyping, wireframing, brainstorming, user flows, site maps, and ideation. Sketch was ranked second for the prefered UI design tool on a Mac and as a primary tool for User Interface Design.
When using this software, components can be created with symbols and styles can be assigned. Users can reuse and adjust components with smart layouts and apply styles throughout the website or application. These capabilities help make Sketch efficient and easy to use for all collaborators.
According to UX Misfits, Sketch is useful for both UX/UI design and graphic design. The table below lists some of the uses of Sketch in each type of design.
| UX/UI Design Capabilities | Graph Design Capabilities |
|---|---|
| UI design on a variety of platforms including desktop, websites, applications, and wearables | Creation of vector images |
| Design system libraries | Creation of social media images |
| Design of icons and app icons | Creation of ad banners |
| Prototyping and user flows | Creation of presentation resources |
| UX design deliverables can be created |
Despite competitors continuing to come into the online design space, Sketch remains relevant and useful in the design world. Learning Sketch will improve your design resume and help make you even more marketable to future or current employers.
Sketch is a relatively easy software to learn and many sites boast that users can learn the program within a few hours. This timeframe, however, is for those comfortable with comparable design tools and requires you to be a self-sufficient learner. If you prefer to learn on your own, you can download the software for free for 30 days and there are a variety of resources on the Sketch site. Other sites offer free and paid resources and tutorials. The free trial is a great way to dabble with the software and its features and tools. It also allows you to create examples for a portfolio.
Looking for a more structured course to walk you through the software and its tools? There are many Sketch bootcamps that are offered in-person and online. These software specific bootcamps help students become comfortable with the application interface and the tools associated with the Sketch software. These courses will also guide you through setting up landing pages, project files, and prototypes. You will learn how to create and test websites and mobile applications from start to finish with this software, which allows you to work on creating examples for a portfolio. If you are completely new to UI design, there are many bootcamps to prepare you for a career in UX or UI design that incorporate Sketch in their curriculums.
Ready to add Sketch to your resume or CV? A list of bootcamps specifically for Sketch that incorporate the software in their curriculums is listed below. You can compare the offerings to find the bootcamp that is best for your needs and career goals.
