Prototyping Tools

We are continuing this week by focusing on startup tools, tips and tweaks that will help you build, design, manage and market your way into the cloud based business that you want to be. Last week we offered a quick startup checklist that contained a few helpful suggestions.

Working Smarter

In this article, I will show you 10 suggested cloud based tools that you can use at just about any computer, anywhere. Since they don’t require a huge amount of bandwidth, you can work from your favourite coffee shop.

From Wireframes to Bug Reports, these tools will help you develop the idea in your brain into a living, breathing compilation of diagrams, and workflows. I’ve listed in no particular order a few tools to help you work smarter, not harder.

These will help you design and develop well thought out and precise websites and mobile applications.

HotGloo

This integrates a wireframe AND prototype generator all in one. It boasts an auto-save feature and backups as well. A feature that most do not consider.

Gliffy

With Gliffy, you can create a myriad of diagrams, workflows, process flows, and flow charts. They have every shape and flow process imaginable. Since it is flash based, and intensive, the ideal scenario is to use this on a laptop or desktop pc, rather than a tablet, but it can be done either way. Since this web app integrates with Google Apps, wordpress and Chrome, it’s got potential to explode with third party applications, if not already.

Appery

Appery is a nice cloud based lightweight system. You can quickly build complete user experiences with jQuery Mobile, AngularJS, Bootstrap, and HTML5 components inside the Visual Editor. They provide an easy to use drag and drop functionality built into the UI. They have been featured on CIO, Infoworld, Techcrunch amongst many others.

JustInMind

They offer the ability to create highly interactive wireframes for any application in very little time. You can also publish your entire wireframe experience online and get feedback and reviews from users and customers.

PIDOCO

While the name may be silly, its power to create custom templates, real time collaboration, and mobile prototyping makes this a powerhouse not to be ignored. Their integrated API and specification export allows you to travel further than you ever thought possible.

Proto.io

A nice service where you can create some exceptional prototypes and they also offer a new interactive Material Design UI library. Some of their clients include the likes of BBC, ESPN, Disney and Amazon.

Invision

Invision has taken the art of collaboration and made it into a drag and drop art form. Their interface makes it extremely easy for even the most technically challenged to start a project. They even have a demo right on their front page so that you can test drive the interface.

Cacoo

Cacoo is a powerhouse for companies dealing with multiple languages to collaborate diagrams and workflows online. It supports 22 languages plus real time collaboration. Of course, you can make your projects private or public depending on your need, and their group pricing is fairly reasonable. While only having 5 output Vector formats to export to even with the paid version, this tool can be invaluable for a collaboration project across the world.

Creately

While it’s not the language powerhouse that is Cacoo, Creately has a scaleable pricing structure that is handy for the number of users on your team. It also has some desktop software available that may further your development needs. Since they sell this service by the license, it’s cheaper if you need it for a short while.

Protoshare

You can use ProtoShare for Mockups, Wireframes or Prototypes. They have online webinars for training and instruction, and a very handy and instructional blog.

Mockplus RP

Mockplus RP, this tool is a blessing for beginners working with wireframing and prototyping. Designers can create interactive prototypes for websites and mobile apps with a large list of components, Ui kits, and templates. It also allows you and your team mates to work on the same project and stay updated in real-time.

By Jason Phillips