The Ceasar Salad of wireframing
Quick n’ dirty
Creating wireframes and prototypes on a daily basis I like keep an eye pealed for usefull tools to add to the kit. When creating wireframes I like to spend my time thinking. I don’t want ot spend my time wrestiling with an application. I need to translate the picture in my head onto the screen as quickly and easily as possible. Luckily there are some great tools out there for creating both static wirframes and interactive prototypes. One that I came across a while ago is Balsamiq Mockups.
Wireframes are quick to produce and post-it note style widgets can addded
Easy as 1-2-3
Balsamiq Mockups is currently a desktop application but with an online version in private beta. The tool allows users to quickly drag and drop interface elements much in the same style as other more commonly used tools such as Visio or Axure. Balsamiq Mockups would however sit much more within the initial stages of my development process. Its rapid development of ’sketchy’ looking wireframes makes it perfect for throwing together first thoughts. Its quick enough to be a viable option for producing the initial sketches in a clear and neat format that retain the skethcy feel that works so well with paper sketches.
iPhone widgets allow for quick iPhone mock-ups
Tasty features?
There are some tasty features in the Balsamiq Mockups interface.
- A library of 75 interface features such as browser windows, radio buttons and iPhone interface elements.
- Nice snap features allowing users to quickly line up elements within minimal effort and time.
- Usefull post-it note style comments.
- Full screen presentation mode that allows users to present work to clients and collegues.
- Runs on both Mac and PC.
For more information on we are:london’s wireframing and interactive prototyping services please contact hello@WeAreLondon.
Uncategorized, information architecture, interface design, usability design, user centred design, user interface