When building out the page-by-page wireframing of a new website, I've been prone to use Macromedia Flash to layout the elements and create the idea that customers and developers can see. A friend recently suggested Axure, software that's specifically designed for wireframing websites and has a lot of built-in functionality to support the task of prototyping.
Axure appears to do a lot of things right, but at $589 for the first year and $189 for a 12 month renewal, it's hard to justify when compared with full featured design-and-develop programs like Dreamweaver and Flash (both under $400 with no licensing fees). They do have a 30-day free trial and a fairly good demo.
Does anyone use Axure? Do you have any other wireframe/prototyping suggestions (yes, I already know about the $1.99 pen-and-paper solution)?
I think that ConceptDraw WebWave is much better. And it costs only 249$ and axure costs much more!!! WebWave has more functionality.
The tool looks great. Does it also create navigable HTML? One thing I like about Axure is that I can send it to anyone (or host it and send out a link) and they can navigate through the pages like they are "real".
I've got a mail from developers that on the next week there will be a new version of ConceptDraw WebWave in wich there will be a fuction wich generates html mock-up of a site with handy navigation.
Take a look at JustProto - seems to be nice and easy. They also have a free single project or you can try any plan for free.
Axure is the most comprehensive one but quite expensive for me.
I'm also testing Balsamiq ATM, but to early to say anything...
I can say only one thing - https://justproto.com/en/ rocks! It's easy and intuitive. I like the properties tab especially - keeps all the properties together so I don't have to search wired menus to change the settings. I like also the fact that the elements are so easy to use, just drag'n'drop! And the File Manager - keeps all my pics in one place, no need to upload them multiple times. I've alaso made some iPhone and iPad apps prototypes - good way of checking the possible future problems. My workmates like the real-time collaboration. I've seen it at work and must say - pretty fun to look how changes are being applied the same time you tell someone on the other side of the Europe to apply them!try it. it does meke things easier.
Just gave JustProto a test run a lot of basic functionality seems to be missing - you cannot group/ungroup; you cannot add links to every element, there are some other things that are basically frustrating which I wish that they would fix, because I do agree with make-a-suggestion that the properties tab is really great!
You can check https://www.wireframemockups.com for prototyping and mockup tools
I like https://www.flairbuilder.com/
I am developing WireframeSketcher rapid wireframing tool: https://wireframesketcher.com
It's inexpensive and it comes in two flavors: a standalone version and a plug-in for any Eclipse IDE. It's cross platform and will let you create static wireframes but also link them together into click-through demos. Also not that this is not a Flash/Air software and the UI is native and integrates well with your OS.
Hi,
We at FluidUI.com facilitate quick prototypes and designs. You can pay per month or get one project for free with up to ten pages.
Eileen (From Fluidui.com)
Hi Eileen,
Do you have a relationship with FluidUI? If so, it's good to mention that in the comment. Thanks!
Thanks for the heads up Keri!
Hi all,
Who can tell me what program created as image below? Thank you.
https://www.visualpharm.com/images/Image/DiningScene/website_prototype_dining_scene_search3.gif
Microsoft Visio but it sucks so if there's another solution, I'd like to know too.
iPlotz was launched as a web application in January 2009, allowing wireframes and mockups to be created, previewed and navigated as a prototype. Desktop AIR application is coming soon. Check it out at iplotz.com
I usually wireframe/prototype directly in html/css. You can whip up some real quick stuff that you can use later for the real code.
We usually use Viso -- be interesting to try this out and see what the benefits are.
Historically, I've used Powerpoint, Visio or just the plain old pen and paper. The last few months I've tried Serena Prototype Composer and Axure.
Serena works well if you're building complex applications. However, I prefer Axure. It's easier to learn and use. It also makes it possible to publish clickable prototypes for others to play around with.
I'm also looking at Axure and ConceptDraw, here are two more that are more affordable but probably lack a lot of the features found in these more expensive products:
https://www.mockupscreens.com/
https://www.extremeplanner.com/easyprototype/index.html
I have not yet installed or tried the demos.
Oh, and Fireworks CS3 has protyping components included now in the "Common Library" panel.
Axure definitely the "killer app". I tried https://www.extremeplanner.com/easyprototype/index.html but to be honest, you have to pre-draw the screen layouts using MSPaint or some other tool, import the image and then tag the web elements. It does publish as a working HTML demo and the commentry output as a Word Document is reasonably good. I'm gonna try your mockupscreens next! Where are all the freebie solutions?
I use Illustrator for wireframing and prototyping.
I'm a strong proponent of Axure (though I have never used Flash). I used to use Visio to do mock-ups and the primary advantages of Axure are that you can easily create real HTML (i.e. pull-downs with lists and buttons that work) and it's easier to layout. It also reduced my overall time spent doing mock-ups by at least half while also improving the quality and quantity of screens I could layout for a given project. The learning curve was just about non-existent.
By creating HTML upfront instead of other kinds of prototypes, you get to see how the layout will actually appear on the user's screen and let them use it as a working prototype. I've found that I get a lot better feedback from my stakeholders this way.
My caveat--I've only used Axure Lite which at $189 was extremely easy to justify. The Lite version has been discountined, which is unfortunate.
Laura - that is sad that they no longer have the entry-level product. Flash is really supposed to be for creating websites, animations and videos, but since they have so much of the drag-and-drop content (and one can create permanent "symbols" that need only be changed once to effect change throughout the file, it can be repurposed in a very similar way to Axure (at least, from what I've seen in their demo).
Once I get started on the 30 day trial, I'll probably have a better feel. We've got a rebuild of a site we initially designed upcoming, and I'll try to use it there.
Hi Rand,
This is a bit off topic but do you personally endorse the merchants whose ads on your site? Do you personally recommend that I use the Sovereign State tax service or the Massive Links Directory? Do you use these services yourself?
I don’t blame anyone for trying to monetize their traffic. Just wondering is all.
To be honest, I haven't used either service. The ads probably aren't the best way to monetize the site for the long term and we haven't been getting entirely positive feedback on them.
I will tell that there is nothing more pleasant than to deal withprofessionals when it comes to business project. You are guaranteed toreceive the highest quality and the planned delivery of your projectif you work with Skydex Soft Ltd(www.skydexsoft.com). When I got to know them I decidedthat they are experienced enough to be able to help me with myproject. And I was not mistaken. As a result I have got qualitativework for the shortest terms and under the reasonable price. I am veryglad that I could deal with this company and I plan and to use theirservice in the future.
Thanks
You should take a look at Balsamiq Mockups. It is decently priced ($79), very easy to use, and let's you focus on the functional aspects of the mockups.
Here is my review of the software:
Balsamiq Mockups - it Roqs (Web Prototyping Software)
Hey
iPlotz looks good and provide a free single project account - https://iplotz.com
Also, Protoshare share looks good - https://www.protoshare.com/
Lucifer