The UX Tools Debate
Why Intent, Insights, and Output Matter More Than Software
Your UX Tool of Choice Doesn’t Define Your Work—Your Thinking Does
Lately, I’ve seen a lot of backlash about Figma not being a "real" UX tool. Some argue it’s better suited for UI work than deep UX design. Others claim that without dedicated research tools, wireframing software, or complex prototyping capabilities, a tool isn’t "UX enough."
But here’s the reality: No tool will make or break your ability to design great experiences.
The real value of UX design isn’t in which tool you use—it’s in the intent, insights, and problem-solving that drive the experience you create. The best UX designers don’t obsess over the software; they focus on understanding user needs, solving real problems, and delivering great outcomes.
It’s Not About the Tool, It’s About the Outcome
There’s no "perfect" UX tool because UX isn’t just one thing. It’s a combination of research, strategy, interaction design, and testing—all of which require different approaches depending on the project.
Some of the most commonly used tools today include:
Figma – UI design, collaboration, rapid prototyping.
Sketch – Interface and product design.
Axure – Advanced interactive prototypes.
Miro – Research, journey mapping, brainstorming.
FigJam – Team workshops and early ideation.
Maze / Optimal Workshop – User testing and research insights.
Every designer has a preference, but none of these tools define UX. They are simply means to an end.
Why the UX Tool Debate is a Distraction
Instead of focusing on what tool someone is using, what actually matters is:
Intent: Is the work rooted in user needs and solving real problems?
Insights: Is research and data driving decisions, not just assumptions?
Output: Is the final experience intuitive, accessible, and valuable to users?
Great UX isn’t about how a wireframe was made—it’s about whether the experience works for the people using it.
| What Matters in UX | What Doesn't Matter as Much | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding user needs through research. | Whether you conducted research in FigJam, Miro, or Notion. | The method isn’t as important as ensuring real user insights drive design decisions. |
| Creating experiences that are intuitive and easy to use. | Whether the wireframes were made in Figma, Sketch, or Axure. | A great experience is measured by usability and impact, not the tool used to design it. |
| Testing prototypes to validate design choices. | Whether the prototype was built in Figma, Axure, or coded. | The value comes from learning how real users interact with the product. |
| Collaboration and cross-functional alignment. | Debating if a tool is a "real UX tool." | Strong UX teams focus on solving problems together, not software debates. |
The Importance of a Unified Design Stack
While individual tool preferences don’t define UX success, consistency within a team does matter. A disjointed toolset can lead to inefficiencies, lost work, and communication breakdowns—especially in large teams or remote environments.
A unified design stack ensures:
Seamless collaboration across designers, researchers, and developers.
Faster workflows with shared components, templates, and file structures.
Consistency in design documentation, handoffs, and stakeholder communication.
For example, if half the team works in Figma while others use Sketch, design files may become fragmented, making collaboration unnecessarily difficult. The tool itself isn’t the issue—the lack of alignment is.
As a design leader, it’s important to:
Establish clear guidelines on tool usage while still allowing flexibility.
Ensure the team has the right software for their needs—not just the industry standard.
Regularly evaluate whether a tool is helping or hindering collaboration.
A great UX process isn’t just about the tools you use—it’s about how well your team works together to deliver the best possible experience.
How Designers Can Shift the Focus Back to What Matters
1. Prioritize Research Over Tools
UX isn’t just about making screens look good—it’s about making informed decisions that improve user experiences. The research behind the design matters more than what tool was used to synthesize findings.
2. Measure Success by Impact, Not Execution
Instead of asking, "What tool did you use?", ask:
Did this design help users accomplish their goals more easily?
Did the changes reduce friction or improve engagement?
Did usability testing confirm the design solves a real problem?
3. Advocate for Outcomes in Team Conversations
Design leaders should encourage conversations around impact over process. If teams are debating tools, redirect the conversation to user needs and business goals.
Final Thoughts: Tools Are Temporary, UX Thinking is Timeless
The UX tool you use today may not even exist in five years—but the way you think, solve problems, and design experiences will always matter.
UX success isn’t defined by whether you use Figma or Axure.
What matters is how well your design meets user needs.
The best designers focus on insights, intent, and execution—not software debates.
A unified design stack ensures collaboration, efficiency, and consistency across teams.
At the end of the day, users don’t care what tool you used—they care that the experience works.