Choosing a wireframing software
Wireframing is like paper prototyping but digital. Two advantages are:
- digital files are easy to share (with co-workers, clients)
- changing the position of elements is a snap
It can be done with any software that allows you to draw basic shapes, so why look for a specific software?
- to have a library of commonly used components that can be edited
- to build basic interactivity without programming, in order to test usability at an early stage
I've tested 5 softwares, I draw the same basic layout in each one. In alphabetical order:
1. Axure
Type: desktop | Price: $589
Axure has a two side panels, so the working space is small. It has too many options and it seems quite difficult for doing a quick wireframe. Sometimes you have an idea and you want to draw it, and the complexity of this software gets in the way.
2. Balsamiq
Type: Desktop (Adobe Air) | Price: US$ 79
Balsamiq is probably the most popular software. It has a sketchy feeling that looks kind of cute, but also childish, I don't see myself showing that to a client. The preview of the components is not very clear, I had to drag some to the working area to see what they were. I loved the grid at first sight, but it didn't help me much. It has good keyboard support (CTRL+C, CRTL+V).
3. FlairBuilder
Type: Desktop (Adobe Air) | Price: US$ 99
FlairBuilder has two different themes (classic and sketchy). You can see the measure of the elements while you draw, so if you want an specific width, you don't need further editing. It has a design and a preview mode, in preview, the videos and maps really work!
4. Mockflow
Type: Web app | Price: Free (limited), US$ 50/year
The elements can be aligned using guide lines that work similar to Adobe Flash. Besides the default library, you can add more, for example cursors and different browser windows.
5. Pencil
Type: Mozilla Firefox add on | Price: free
The working area is tiny, there are not many components and they are all desktop software oriented. The point of wireframing is no to insert every single image, so "no image" is ridiculous.
The Choice
Both Flair Builder and Mockflow have the functionalities I want (components library and building interactivity). For wireframing they are more expensive than what I expected, but you can substitute the placeholders for actual images, change colors, etc. so the wireframe can evolve and depending on the project, you can jump to the coding stage without using other software in the middle.
I choose Mockflow, because since it is web based, I can use it at home (in my desktop or my laptop) and at the office, without paying for additional licenses.
Do you use any wireframing software?
