In this article, I want to show an example of creating a prototype of a simple website in Wireframesketcher. Also for Wireframesketcher there is a fairly extensive library of layouts, templates, widgets and icons. As for version control, it is easy to implement, since XML text files are used to store project data.
The application is developed based on the Eclipse IDE or can be installed as a plug-in for Eclipse, and this provides cross-platform application (Linux / Mac / Windows) and makes it possible to use a large arsenal of tools developed for this IDE, including support for various version control systems and others plugins. The authors position Wireframesketcher as a tool for professionals and they have every reason for it. It can create interactive prototypes of websites and applications for both desktop computers and smartphones, as well as other mobile devices.
The fact that you export easily complete PDF files with all screens, hotspotted within the PDF and linked along with PNG files is a very effective way of interacting with customers in a fast and agile way.Wireframesketcher - designed for prototyping graphical interfaces. Of course WireframeSketcher is a lot more than this and has a comprehensive feature list including the ability to use master screens and 'Refactoring' the ability to move screens and masters without the links breaking – a really great feature. When used in conjunection with the Eclipse SVN plugin it enables version control and effective design brainstorming. I found WireframeSketcher a must have addin for Eclipse, enabling me to complete very detailed wireframes for clients within the development ennvironment. I've just written article about my experiences of using WireframeSketcher for the last month. Posted in Tools | 2 Comments » 2 Responses to “WireframeSketcher 1.4.2” Overall, this one is a very interesting tool. What is also interesting is that in this way, users can also combine multiple master pages, providing even more flexibility. Instead, pages are simply created and if a user wishes to reuse a page as a master, the page is inserted as a “Master Screen” object anywhere on a new page.
With WireframeSketcher users do not have to worry about defining masters up front (at the time when it still it is not known which elements are to be shared across). Another unique feature of this program is how it handles masters. This features is an interesting exploration of the communicative role of prototyping which many UI tools fall short on. Basically, drawn screens can be organized in a linear fashion into presentable stories. What sets WireframeSketcher apart is definitely the storyboard mode (as seen on the second screen). The latest version also supports states for certain form elements allowing to specify such things as disabled, selected or enabled modes. This tool comes with a wide palette of draggable user interface elements, widgets, sliders, and icons as most user interface designers would expect. WireframeSketcher is a plugin for the popular Eclipse development platform and allows for the creation of quick wireframes.