I have recently been exposed to a new type of software that I did not know existed before. Being in the line of work I’m in, it seems to me that these applications would offer a tremendous advantage. The software that I am speaking of is Visualization or UI Prototyping software. These allow users to take UI front ends, and add simulate functionality that is generated on the backend. The 3 software packages I have have been examining are iRise, Axure, and Serena Prototype Composer.
The first program I researched was iRise Studio 6. iRise can generate interactive application simulations. It includes a drag n drop whiteboard to begin conceptualizing tasks. It allows for scenario creation and simulates real interactivity. This can be used to generate requirements, and to do real-time user testing. iRise studio 6 has recieved excellent reviews, however it seems it may be a bit pricy. I was contacted by a sales representative but I was never given a solid quote. The website says pricing starts at $5000, but I’ve seen anywhere from $100,000 to $250,000 in online customer reviews.
The second application I looked at was Axure RP. I have also been notified that some of my coworkers are also considering this application. Axure is marketed as a rapid wireframing and prototyping tool to be used in defining requirements and specifications for application design. Their target market being UX designers, business analysts, information architects, and usabililty experts and product managers. This application runs on a subscription model of $589 per user license for a 12 month period, and $149 for each 12 month period thereafter.
The final piece of software I have been looking at is Serena Prototype Composer. This program allows for the storage of Project Information, Defines roles and responsibilities of project team members, and stores project requirements. This application also lets the user define process flow and interface design. The application UI is similar to a Microsoft Outlook application. I think this may be the harder to learn of the three applications, but at a price tag of FREE it might be worth the extra time to learn.