Origami is a free prototyping tool offered by Meta Platforms. It allows users to build a prototype, run it on an iPhone or iPad, test it, and export code snippets. It was used to create Instagram, Paper, Messenger, Slingshot, Rooms and Groups.
Marvel is a very strong tool in scenarios where designers seek to quickly create simple prototypes on their desktops using a simple, intuitive interface. It offers “just enough” functionality to create somewhat realistic designs to present to stakeholders and other designers. However, there’s a limit to how “realistic” those designs can be, given that Marvel has somewhat limited functionality around animations. Marvel is not a strong option for those who want to create very complex prototypes with many animations, or for those who want to edit prototypes on their tablet or phone. Marvel is a jewel for simplicity but starts to be difficult to use when creating complicated designs. For creating more complicated prototypes, I would recommend a more robust tool, such as Axure.
I love Origami and have always recommended the software to other designers. I use Origami on a daily basis, especially when working on new packaging designs. It's nice to see how a box/package looks live while working on moving elements around in the artwork along with making sure dielines work properly and there won't be much work needed on the vendor's end to adjust dielines.
I really miss being able to duplicate, make a copy of the prototype I'm working on. Sometimes, I want to make a comparison with detail changes and without being able to duplicate it is difficult.
Compared to other similar services, I feel the animations could be more fluid and smoother.
It could have more free sophisticated icons and images.
Ultimately, InVision was just a better fit for our company's needs. It's probably faster to create prototypes using Marvel, but InVision's collaboration features (comments, notes, etc.) are much more robust, which was helpful for our large team spread across multiple continents. InVision also offers more advanced features, and Marvel felt a little too limited for our overall business needs.
Origami is a faster/easier way to view and render 3D views of packaging files--especially the instant gratification when adjusting artwork and or dielines before rendering out to other softwares. Other than Blender being free, this software is much easier to use for unexperienced users. Someone can learn Origami in matter of minutes--that's how easy it is.
