Bob Stolk
·
Jan 26, 2024
10 of the Best Design Collaboration Tools for 2024
The best projects are invariably the work of several different professionals, all of whom have successfully come together to share ideas and inspire one another’s creativity. And that’s why collaboration is so important within design teams.
When design teams work together, communicate effectively and bounce ideas off one another, they have the potential to create truly outstanding work.
Of course, the eclectic mix of skills, working styles and professional opinions that you'll find within any design team can make collaborative work a challenge. But design collaboration software simplifies the art of working together in perfect harmony, making it far easier for teams to make the most of one another’s unique skill sets.
In this article, we’ll take you through 10 of our must-have design collaboration tools for 2024, to show you what’s on offer for design teams this year.
What is design collaboration software?
Design collaboration software is a tool designed to facilitate collaborative work amongst design teams. Such tools offer a variety of different features, so some will appeal more to different teams than others.
Typical design collaboration software incorporates a range of different functions, such as the ability to easily share feedback and work on tasks together. Tools often allow for easy management of design files, making such files accessible to all who need them, at the touch of a button.
Many design collaboration platforms allow designers, clients and other stakeholders to access work and discuss progress in real-time. The tools are ideal for teams who might not be based in the same location, as they allow team members to look at different ideas and share feedback in real time. For project managers looking to manage team workflow remotely, software like this is invaluable.
Creatives are increasingly reliant on design collaboration software to manage complex projects. More and more design teams are now recognising the benefits of this software, and using it to their full advantage as they bring team members together to make full use of everyone’s ideas.
What to look out for in your design collaboration software
There are endless options when it comes to designing collaboration software, so choosing the best one for your team really depends on what you intend to do with it. Take a look at our quick guide to selecting your perfect design collaboration software below to get started.
Look out for integrations
Several design project management software options allow for easy integration with other platforms. If you’re thinking of using a number of different platforms, it’s vital that they can sync together to avoid the need for manual processing of data and other information.
Look out for automation options, as automated workflow processes will save your team vast amounts of time - and dramatically reduce the risk of human error as information is passed between platforms.
Think about single sign-on (SSO) requirements
There are clear security benefits to SSO, but there’s also a massive benefit in terms of the amount of time it saves.
If you’re unsure about the SSO requirements of your current systems, simply contact your IT team to discuss these. You should be able to get a good idea of which tools the team would support, and which would work with SSO to make life simpler for your whole design team (and the IT department!).
Consider what your existing software can already do
Design collaboration tools are quick to tempt new users in with a huge range of different features, but several of these features are usually already covered by the suite that designers are already using.
So, before you sign up for new contracts, take a step back and find out what your current suite can do. You might find that your team isn’t making full use of the software that’s already at its disposal.
Opt for multi-functional tools wherever possible
The best design collaboration tools are multi-functional, and that’s how they provide good value for money. Budgets are stretched for design teams right now, so it’s vital that you make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Look for tools that provide a number of different features, ensuring that your team would be able to make full use of the functionality on offer.
Some design tools are incredibly complex and offer far more features than a typical design team would really need, so it’s sometimes worth keeping things simple and opting for software with fewer features that your team would get more use out of.
Our top recommended design collaboration tools
Our team always has an eye on the latest and greatest design collaboration tools. Our top 10 tools for 2024 include everything from ingenious collaborative whiteboards to interface design tools with functionality that’ll make your head spin.
Here are our top picks for design teams looking to boost their productivity without increasing their workloads.
Hello Ivy
Hello Ivy is a multi-functional, user-friendly tool that ramps up the productivity of design teams. The design collaboration tool has been created with design teams in mind, and its wealth of features simplify and streamline day-to-day tasks.
With Hello Ivy, teams can manage design projects far more efficiently. It cuts out the need for endless meetings, online chats and lengthy email threads by putting everyone on the same page straight away. Everything’s connected, from data and documents to feedback that you can share in real-time. Find out more about how it works here.
Figma
Perfect for remote design teams, Figma makes working together simple. Team members can co-design in real-time, with everyone's comments and feedback appearing as soon as they type it.
Figma is ideal for teams that need to work collaboratively and share ideas, and it really comes into its own when decisions need to be made quickly. It’s particularly well suited to design teams working on mobile apps and websites, for example. It’s also often used for the design of digital products and experiences.
Canva
Design teams working on social media campaigns are quick to sing the praises of Canva - and with good reason. The online graphic design tool is free to use, and it’s perfect for teams working on designs that are intended for social sharing.
Canva can be used to create everything from social media posts to presentations, posters, videos and logos. There’s a huge range of different free templates available, making this perfect for cash-strapped design teams that need to elevate their social presence. To access its premium features, teams can sign up to Canva Pro.
Storybook
If your team builds UI components and pages, you need to check out Storybook. The tool is designed specifically for teams to create these components in isolation, and it’s ideal for the development and testing stages. And unbelievably - it’s also open source and free to use.
With Storybook, design teams can implement components and pages without having to worry about technical details like data or APIs. This gives design teams free rein to create exactly what they have in mind, and ideas can then be tested with a view to turning them into reality in the near future.
Miro
Many of our tools really make sense when used by design teams incorporating remote and in-house staff, and Miro is a prime example of this. The digital collaboration platform has been designed specifically to make life easier for remote teams, and it does that incredibly well.
Miro is known as a visual workspace for innovation. It allows teams to build, iterate and design faster, by collaborating more effectively with every team member involved. There are a number of different plans that design teams can opt for, depending on their requirements.
Google Jamboard
Google Jamboard is a digital whiteboard that integrates seamlessly with Google suite services. It works in web browsers and via its own mobile app, making it easy for teams to access whiteboards and share ideas on the go.
Team members can collaborate in real-time using Google Jamboard. There’s even specific hardware created to bring those whiteboards to life. Take a look at the Series One Board 65 - it’s an all-in-one touchscreen Google Meet device designed for collaboration, and it’s got Jamboard app capabilities built in.
Flipsnack
Online flipbooks are made simple with Flipsnack. The design collaboration tool allows teams to create their own all-singing, all-dancing flipbooks instantly.
PDFs can be turned from static, uninspiring pages to dynamic examples of the team’s next big ideas. Animations are easy to add using the software, making this a particularly accessible tool that makes all the difference in design presentations.
Freehand
Freehand (formerly InVision) is an all-in-one collaborative workspace, designed to unlock the potential of teams.
Projects can be tracked, planned and executed using this creative tool. It makes all the difference when it comes to time management, and it’s essential when it comes to sharing ideas and inspiring team members.
Perfect for teams working on prototypes, Freehand allows for the creation of powerful prototypes within minutes. Ideas can be turned into working prototypes with ease, to create realistic experiences without the need for any code.
Slack
We can’t talk about design collaboration tools without giving Slack a mention. The productivity platform has been leading the way in this space for years, and it’s still essential for design teams in 2024.
Slack is a cloud-based communication platform, with free and paid subscription options. The platform has a good range of features, including file sharing, messaging, voice and video calls and group chat options. It’s perfect for design teams looking to simplify communication, and can be a real asset when it comes to sharing ideas and coming up with the next project.
Trello
Trello makes life much simpler for design teams. It’s a powerful collaboration tool that allows teams to manage their workloads in a very visual way. Of course, this is likely to appeal to creatives who can use the tool to see their ideas progressing in real life.
The software incorporates boards, lists and cards to give teams a clear idea of who’s working on what, and where projects are in their life cycles.
Trello is particularly beneficial for project managers looking after task tracking. Managers can use Trello to see, at a glance, what team members are working on and what’s up next. It’s also proving invaluable for designers, as it allows for easy communication and collaboration at every stage.
---
There are some incredible design collaboration tools on the market right now, ranging from free services that really do pack a punch, to premium subscriptions that have the power to ramp up your team's productivity overnight.
If you’d like to learn more about how design collaboration software could make all the difference to your team, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free demo of Hello Ivy, the effective design project management tool exclusively designed for design teams.
10 of the Best Design Collaboration Tools for 2024
The best projects are invariably the work of several different professionals, all of whom have successfully come together to share ideas and inspire one another’s creativity. And that’s why collaboration is so important within design teams.
When design teams work together, communicate effectively and bounce ideas off one another, they have the potential to create truly outstanding work.
Of course, the eclectic mix of skills, working styles and professional opinions that you'll find within any design team can make collaborative work a challenge. But design collaboration software simplifies the art of working together in perfect harmony, making it far easier for teams to make the most of one another’s unique skill sets.
In this article, we’ll take you through 10 of our must-have design collaboration tools for 2024, to show you what’s on offer for design teams this year.
What is design collaboration software?
Design collaboration software is a tool designed to facilitate collaborative work amongst design teams. Such tools offer a variety of different features, so some will appeal more to different teams than others.
Typical design collaboration software incorporates a range of different functions, such as the ability to easily share feedback and work on tasks together. Tools often allow for easy management of design files, making such files accessible to all who need them, at the touch of a button.
Many design collaboration platforms allow designers, clients and other stakeholders to access work and discuss progress in real-time. The tools are ideal for teams who might not be based in the same location, as they allow team members to look at different ideas and share feedback in real time. For project managers looking to manage team workflow remotely, software like this is invaluable.
Creatives are increasingly reliant on design collaboration software to manage complex projects. More and more design teams are now recognising the benefits of this software, and using it to their full advantage as they bring team members together to make full use of everyone’s ideas.
What to look out for in your design collaboration software
There are endless options when it comes to designing collaboration software, so choosing the best one for your team really depends on what you intend to do with it. Take a look at our quick guide to selecting your perfect design collaboration software below to get started.
Look out for integrations
Several design project management software options allow for easy integration with other platforms. If you’re thinking of using a number of different platforms, it’s vital that they can sync together to avoid the need for manual processing of data and other information.
Look out for automation options, as automated workflow processes will save your team vast amounts of time - and dramatically reduce the risk of human error as information is passed between platforms.
Think about single sign-on (SSO) requirements
There are clear security benefits to SSO, but there’s also a massive benefit in terms of the amount of time it saves.
If you’re unsure about the SSO requirements of your current systems, simply contact your IT team to discuss these. You should be able to get a good idea of which tools the team would support, and which would work with SSO to make life simpler for your whole design team (and the IT department!).
Consider what your existing software can already do
Design collaboration tools are quick to tempt new users in with a huge range of different features, but several of these features are usually already covered by the suite that designers are already using.
So, before you sign up for new contracts, take a step back and find out what your current suite can do. You might find that your team isn’t making full use of the software that’s already at its disposal.
Opt for multi-functional tools wherever possible
The best design collaboration tools are multi-functional, and that’s how they provide good value for money. Budgets are stretched for design teams right now, so it’s vital that you make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Look for tools that provide a number of different features, ensuring that your team would be able to make full use of the functionality on offer.
Some design tools are incredibly complex and offer far more features than a typical design team would really need, so it’s sometimes worth keeping things simple and opting for software with fewer features that your team would get more use out of.
Our top recommended design collaboration tools
Our team always has an eye on the latest and greatest design collaboration tools. Our top 10 tools for 2024 include everything from ingenious collaborative whiteboards to interface design tools with functionality that’ll make your head spin.
Here are our top picks for design teams looking to boost their productivity without increasing their workloads.
Hello Ivy
Hello Ivy is a multi-functional, user-friendly tool that ramps up the productivity of design teams. The design collaboration tool has been created with design teams in mind, and its wealth of features simplify and streamline day-to-day tasks.
With Hello Ivy, teams can manage design projects far more efficiently. It cuts out the need for endless meetings, online chats and lengthy email threads by putting everyone on the same page straight away. Everything’s connected, from data and documents to feedback that you can share in real-time. Find out more about how it works here.
Figma
Perfect for remote design teams, Figma makes working together simple. Team members can co-design in real-time, with everyone's comments and feedback appearing as soon as they type it.
Figma is ideal for teams that need to work collaboratively and share ideas, and it really comes into its own when decisions need to be made quickly. It’s particularly well suited to design teams working on mobile apps and websites, for example. It’s also often used for the design of digital products and experiences.
Canva
Design teams working on social media campaigns are quick to sing the praises of Canva - and with good reason. The online graphic design tool is free to use, and it’s perfect for teams working on designs that are intended for social sharing.
Canva can be used to create everything from social media posts to presentations, posters, videos and logos. There’s a huge range of different free templates available, making this perfect for cash-strapped design teams that need to elevate their social presence. To access its premium features, teams can sign up to Canva Pro.
Storybook
If your team builds UI components and pages, you need to check out Storybook. The tool is designed specifically for teams to create these components in isolation, and it’s ideal for the development and testing stages. And unbelievably - it’s also open source and free to use.
With Storybook, design teams can implement components and pages without having to worry about technical details like data or APIs. This gives design teams free rein to create exactly what they have in mind, and ideas can then be tested with a view to turning them into reality in the near future.
Miro
Many of our tools really make sense when used by design teams incorporating remote and in-house staff, and Miro is a prime example of this. The digital collaboration platform has been designed specifically to make life easier for remote teams, and it does that incredibly well.
Miro is known as a visual workspace for innovation. It allows teams to build, iterate and design faster, by collaborating more effectively with every team member involved. There are a number of different plans that design teams can opt for, depending on their requirements.
Google Jamboard
Google Jamboard is a digital whiteboard that integrates seamlessly with Google suite services. It works in web browsers and via its own mobile app, making it easy for teams to access whiteboards and share ideas on the go.
Team members can collaborate in real-time using Google Jamboard. There’s even specific hardware created to bring those whiteboards to life. Take a look at the Series One Board 65 - it’s an all-in-one touchscreen Google Meet device designed for collaboration, and it’s got Jamboard app capabilities built in.
Flipsnack
Online flipbooks are made simple with Flipsnack. The design collaboration tool allows teams to create their own all-singing, all-dancing flipbooks instantly.
PDFs can be turned from static, uninspiring pages to dynamic examples of the team’s next big ideas. Animations are easy to add using the software, making this a particularly accessible tool that makes all the difference in design presentations.
Freehand
Freehand (formerly InVision) is an all-in-one collaborative workspace, designed to unlock the potential of teams.
Projects can be tracked, planned and executed using this creative tool. It makes all the difference when it comes to time management, and it’s essential when it comes to sharing ideas and inspiring team members.
Perfect for teams working on prototypes, Freehand allows for the creation of powerful prototypes within minutes. Ideas can be turned into working prototypes with ease, to create realistic experiences without the need for any code.
Slack
We can’t talk about design collaboration tools without giving Slack a mention. The productivity platform has been leading the way in this space for years, and it’s still essential for design teams in 2024.
Slack is a cloud-based communication platform, with free and paid subscription options. The platform has a good range of features, including file sharing, messaging, voice and video calls and group chat options. It’s perfect for design teams looking to simplify communication, and can be a real asset when it comes to sharing ideas and coming up with the next project.
Trello
Trello makes life much simpler for design teams. It’s a powerful collaboration tool that allows teams to manage their workloads in a very visual way. Of course, this is likely to appeal to creatives who can use the tool to see their ideas progressing in real life.
The software incorporates boards, lists and cards to give teams a clear idea of who’s working on what, and where projects are in their life cycles.
Trello is particularly beneficial for project managers looking after task tracking. Managers can use Trello to see, at a glance, what team members are working on and what’s up next. It’s also proving invaluable for designers, as it allows for easy communication and collaboration at every stage.
---
There are some incredible design collaboration tools on the market right now, ranging from free services that really do pack a punch, to premium subscriptions that have the power to ramp up your team's productivity overnight.
If you’d like to learn more about how design collaboration software could make all the difference to your team, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free demo of Hello Ivy, the effective design project management tool exclusively designed for design teams.
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