eBooks. SpeckyBoy. Every web designer and developer should have a good and reliable wireframe (mockup or prototype) tool at there disposal. The importance of such a tool differentiates amongst web designers and developers, some use them, some don’t. Personally, I use them. It is in this initial stage of development that makes web design enjoyable, the coming together of the clients needs and your own creative ideas onto a blank canvas, allowing you to plan effectively the visual arrangement of the sites content. The downside is that a good and reliable wireframe application can come at a heavy price, have you seen the cost of a good wireframe application? Prices can vary from as low as $100 all the way up to over $4000. So, what options do you have? Please note that this post really old, so some of the below apps may not longer be free or available.
Hot Gloo – The Online Wireframe App Pencil Project Web Site Wireframe Tool Mockingbird MockFlow Prototype Composer – Free Prototyping Tool fluidIA Cacoo Lumzy. SpeckyBoy. CSS frameworks are a Gods send. They speed up development, ensure usability, meet all W3C standards, compatabile across most browsers and a hell of a lot more. Sounds marvelous doesn’t it. Why doesn’t everybody use them?
Well, for the novice developer, frameworks, may be a little bit tricky to get there head around? The Blueprint CSS Framework Toolbox “Blueprint is a CSS framework, which aims to cut down on your development time. What does Blueprint offer? A CSS reset that eliminates the discrepancies across browsers.A solid grid that can support the most complex of layouts.Typography based on expert principles that predate the web.Form styles for great looking user interfaces.Print styles for making any webpage ready for paper.Plugins for buttons, tabs and sprites.Tools, editors, and templates for every step in your workflow.
The Blueprint CSS Framework Files The framework has a few files you should check out. Compressed files (these go in the HTML): Source files: Scripts: Other: SocialCOmpare. SmashingApps. Don't Forget to participate in a contest where you can win an amazing e-Commerce template from TemplateMonster. Wireframes and mockup applications are the most essential tools for every web designer and developer. Although, some web designers and developers do not use such tools while some rely on them to a great extent. In this way, the significance of such tools and applications vary among different designers and developers.
On the other hand, it goes without saying that wireframes and mockup applications can save plenty of time. Therefore, keeping a good collection of useful mockup applications and tools can come handy at the time of need. Such tools come at a very high price and finding high quality freebie is just like finding a genie. In this round up, we have gathered some free wireframes and mockup applications for you that you can use for free. Pencil Project Justinmind The best platform to define web and mobile apps with rich interactive wireframes. Lumzy Cacoo MockFlow fluidIA. Mashable. This series is supported by Ben & Jerry's Joe, Ben & Jerry's new line-up of Fair Trade and frozen iced coffee drinks. Learn more about it here.
Wireframing is a crucial step in web design and development as it allows for rapid prototyping and helps to pinpoint potential problems early in the process. It can be invaluable to have a visual representation of content, hierarchy and layout. Wireframes make it easier to communicate ideas, reduce scope creep, cut down on project costs (due to fewer design revisions later), and enable greater upfront usability and functionality testing. This post highlights 10 of the best free wireframing tools available, including standalone applications, web-based tools and browser add-ons. If you're partial to a particular wireframing tool available for free download, let us know in the comments. 1. Mockingbird is a web-based beta software based on the Cappuccino framework to create, link together, preview and share wireframes of your website or application. 2.