Stacy Randolph

A PM thinking about usability, user experience, program management, community and stuff to be creative about.

Why haven't I known about Balsamiq?

I use Visio all the time and even started my own module type library. But, I learned about the Balsamiq mock-up tool today and that does it, I'm converting. Right now.

What do I like so much about this tool?

  • Pre made modules for Software mock-ups. Easily resize and move around

    image
  • Drag and drop - easy schmeezy
    image
  • Alignment controls. These are hidden in Visio, you have to know about them and then find which toolbar they live in.
    image


  • Module specific controls. For example, the vertical tabs module has some configuration options specific to vertical tabs:
    image 
  • Full Screen view - it comes with a nice little pointer
    image

 

Initial questions, though:

  • Can I create or download new modules? What if there is a new module that isn't in the Balsamiq library?
  • What if I don't like the cartoonish looking feel of the modules? Can I modify the style at all? Not sure I I really really want to, though, they do give a fun feel to the mock-ups.
  • Can I change the background in my work area? You can remove the notebook, but I'd rather have a white background than parchment yellow. 

 

Contact the company to get your own copy of this great tool:

balsamiq_logo2

Comments

Peldi Guilizzoni said:

Hello Stacy, thanks for the review! You probably haven't heard about Mockups before because it's only been out about 6 months...so in a way you're still one of the first people to hear about it! ;)

Re: your questions:

- I create and add new modules all the time, so just keep checking on my blog or @balsamiq on twitter for updates

- you can create new modules via the image import feature, as I show here: www.balsamiq.com/.../help

- I am working on a "Community Server" where people will be able to download and share modules that they created

- Cartoonish look and feel: not at the moment. More color here: www.balsamiq.com/.../support

- Background: you don't like the yellow? :( I might add an option to have a white background in the future, as someone else also asked for this. I would suggest adding your idea to www.getsatisfaction.com/balsamiq so that others can vote on it!

Thanks again for the review and I'm glad you found Mockups useful!

# January 7, 2009 12:52 AM

srandolph said:

Wow, thanks, Peldi. I'm impressed that you found my post and replied! :)

Suggestion submitted on GetSatisfaction.com.

# January 7, 2009 5:18 PM