Software

25
Jan 10

More Wireframe Tools

HotGloo

I’m in the middle of a project using mockflow. I’m pretty impressed with it. However, I’m also trying HotGloo, as well as Mockingbird which is great for quick sketching.

And, my friend and colleague Graham turned me on to FlairBuilder last week. While many of these apps are very similar, they all have certain strengths and weaknesses that make them more or less desirable. I’m beginning to conclude there may not be a perfect tool, but many depending on the job. Makes sense.

In any event, I’m free from Visio (doesn’t run on a Mac anyway) and Omnigraffle (not really a dedicated wireframe app).

I intend to post a comprehensive review of these tools and a recommendation sometime in the first quarter of 2010. I’m sure you’re all waiting with bated breath.

Design / Software — 3 comments
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4
Jan 10

Go Mockingbird

Mockingbird: one of the simplest prototyping tools available.

In my never-ending search for the perfect wireframe / prototype tool, I just discovered mockingbird.

Here is my short review:

Pros

  • Easy to use, intuitive (little learning curve)
  • Low cost (free, for now)
  • Unobtrusive UI
  • Pages scale to fit content (most wireframe apps lack this basic feature)
  • Great for quick sketching
  • Buttons and text resize automatically
  • Drag-and-drop linking
  • Supports multiple pages handily
  • Sharing with others is quite easy
  • Doesn’t require Flash

Cons

  • No collaboration feature (only one author per prototype)
  • Export is limited to PDF and PNG, and wonky at that (HTML or clickable PDF would be great)
  • Could use more UI elements in the library
  • Preview mode is unattractive

In short, I think mockingbird is a fantastic alternative to the bloatware alternatives, especially for quick sketches. As a full-fledged prototyping tool, it needs a bit more polish. I’m excited to see how it evolves, and I definitely plan to use it when appropriate.

Software — No comments
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10
Aug 09

IE6 Must Die

So long farewell, auf weidersehen good-bye

So long farewell, auf weidersehen good-bye

We all know that Web sites should be programmed to run on most modern browsers; nothing is more frustrating to a user than to be told their software is too old to view your site.

However, we also know that Internet Explorer 6 is a buggy, non-compliant, frustratingly difficult browser to support, as this CNN article points out. Personally, I’ve seen time that could be spent on innovation and engagement devoted to band aid-type efforts to make simple sites work properly in IE6.

bd

Bring Down IE6

That’s why I’m excited to see a grassroots movement that includes Web developers and designers finally taking aim at this albatross. Their mission is not anti-Microsoft. If it were, they wouldn’t recommend upgrading to IE8 as one of their solutions. Rather, they are trying to make sure development time isn’t being wasted supporting a completely buggy piece of software whose time has long gone by.

So, if you’re on IE6, please, please, please, upgrade your browser as soon as possible. Otherwise, the Web might just be leaving you behind.

Software / Technology / Web — 2 comments
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22
Jan 09

Get Oblique

Oblique Strategies

Oblique Strategies


Oblique Strategies, a Mac desktop widget, is still one of my favorite tools to help me when I’m struggling with a creative challenge, or simply need a little inspiration. It was created by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt.

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21
Jan 09

I'm Trying Protoshare

protoshare

protoshare

I’ve been using protoshare, a Web-based tool for building site maps and wireframes, for about a week now.

In some ways, protoshare is a lot like Google Docs. It works directly in the browser; uses sophisticated technology to emulate desktop-based features and functions; and allows for collaboration between team members and clients.

In other ways it is, frustratingly, not like Google Docs. For example, protoshare does not seem to support most keyboard commands the way Docs does. In addition, it does not work on Safari. Some tools are a little less than intuitive, and some rich Web features like overlays and modals windows are nearly impossible to create.

And, most unlike Google Docs, protoshare is pricey. The basic license which supports two user / collaborators, runs about $30 per month.

Nonetheless, protoshare has great promise. I hope the developers continue to refine its features and interactivity, and consider a more modest pricing structure. In the meantime, I plan to try at least one client project using the tool to see if it’s ready for prime time.

Software / Web — 2 comments
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16
Jan 09

Cooliris is Cool

cooliris

Cooliris

Cooliris is hard to describe other than to say it’s, well, super-cool. As it says on their site, “Transform your browser into a cinematic way to discover the Web.” And they have an iPhone version!

Software — No comments
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