Balsamiq Mockups is a program that makes wireframing incredibly quick and easy to do. It is an Adobe Air app so will run cross browser and will set you back $79.
Video Review
What I like about Balsamiq:
- Very easy to use.
- Works in all Operating Systems.
- Comes with lots of pre-made common items.
- Presentation mode means explaining things to clients is so easy.
What I don’t like about Balsamiq:
- Can get a bit slow if you have a big wireframe in progress (or a slow PC!).
- Cost of $79 seems a bit overpriced.
- Hand drawn style will not appeal to everyone.
So that’s what I think, what about you? Please let us know which application you use for wireframing, and if there are any apps you think we should review.
I gave Balsamiq a try a while ago, and I didn’t really like it. This is a program that’s supposed to make a quick mockup for a client to approve. I can make mockups faster in Photoshop than in Balsamiq (or any other program for that matter).
Recently I started sketching mock ups on paper, scan them, add comments and send them off to the client. Works like a charm, and doesn’t cost $ 79
Hi Jack, thanks so much for the review! Just a quick note to suggest updating to the latest build, it fixes a few bugs you encountered during the demo and is A LOT faster: http://www.balsamiq.com/products/mockups/desktop#download to upgrade.
@Mark, Mockups is not for everyone. If you’re faster with Photoshop than with Mockups, no reason to change the way you work. Also, hats off to you, I’m impressed!
Thanks again for taking the time to record the screencast demo Jack!
Peldi
I love Balsamiq, it is great and quick yo use. $79 is abit on the costly side. It would be nice if the price can be reduced abit.
love you balsamiq guys. great work.
I live in LONDON (UK) and i just want to say that i LOOOOOOOVVVEEEE Balsamiq mockups.
Easy to use without committing to satkeholders.
Keep up the good work guys but try and reduce the price.
Hmm… many people have tried to re-invent the pen and paper, and I’ve yet to see anyone accomplish it successfully. This app included.
Interesting to see it in action though
Love Balsamiq!! We use it all the time.
However, even though it’s a great piece of software, there’s something about software that keeps creativity muffled.
Therefore, before I use Balsamiq, I use a GuiBoard(.com) – a dry erase board with gui-resolutions (including iPhone) pre printed on there. Simply trace the line and you’re ready to sketch.
It gets even better when using http://www.MockupMagnets.com.
Give it a try!
After the rough sketching is done though, Balsamiq it is!