#NewUXTools: New and Up and Coming Rapid Wireframing and Prototyping Tools Event
By Julia Salem
February 22, 2012
Technology has revolutionized everything except how we go about creating software…the solution: visualize first. IxDA New York and NYC-CHI hosted a sold-out event yesterday, with the help of Oxford Technology Ventures, LLC, about some of the new tools available to help user experience professionals do exactly that. There were presentations from iRise, Protoshare, Mockingbird, Balsamiq and Axure. During the presentations each company demonstrated its prototyping and wireframing tools by recreating Kayak.com as a sample project. This was a valuable experience for user experience professionals to find the right tools for their specific projects.
Presentation Highlights
iRise: According to iRise’s presentation collaboration is a critical part of creating a new product, even before development. An excellent tool for non-technical users, some of iRise’s collaborative features include host through URL, quick XML reports, track requirements, mobile iPhone emulator, and more. iRise is free for students, non-profits and unfunded entrepreneurs. For businesses the prices start at $399. During the product demo, iRise was able to simulate the exact views of Kayak, such as the booking page. More information about iRise products and iRise webinars can be found here.
ProtoShare: Protoshare highlighted numerous product features including support for low and high fidelity, collaborative prototyping, documentation, web based software, decision and resolution tracking, dynamic functionality, drag and drop image upload, and many others. This tool is also online-based, which means anyone can get on from anywhere and leave comments on the project or see why decisions were made. During the demo of Kayak, ProtoShare showed how it can iFrame any website and much more. Pricing for Protoshare starts at $300 per year. Check out their 30 day free trial here.
Balsamiq: The focus of Balsamiq is to solve the problem designers have with finding the right design. Balsamiq customers are primarily developers and UX professionals. Balsamiq’s new product myBalsamiq allows teams and clients to collaborate—it’s like Wiki for wireframes. During the demo of Kayak.com the presenter demonstrated how myBalsamiq allows users to comment on design changes through pictures of what the change will look like. Balsamiq’s prices range from $79 and up. More information about Balsamiq can be found here.
Mockingbird: Mockingbird is focused on allowing users to create a mockup, and then collaborate around the mockup. Mockingbird highlighted a lot of features including no flash, easy search, font auto sizing, real-time collaboration tools, sharing with links, and more. Prices range from $9 to $85 per month. Check out Mockingbird’s free plan here.
Mockingbird presentation - photo from Sean Crowe @smcrowe
Axure: More information about Axure can be found here.
Let us know what you thought about the event and the live Twitter coverage @OxfordTech, hashtag #NewUXTools.