A Dead Simple Mockup Tool: Balsamiq

At VisibleGains, we’re constantly conceptualizing new product features and website updates.  We used to do much of this work on the whiteboard, but the whiteboard doesn’t allow us to validate these concepts with prospects or customers.  To satisfy this need, we began using a product called  Balsamiq last year and we couldn’t be happier.

Balsamiq might not replace your spec-level wireframes, but it will help you to quickly define a website or product concept for others to look at.  Also, the desktop version allows you to make clickable mockups so you can get an understanding of the user experience and overall flow.  Take a look at the mockup I made below of a concept for the next version of our Video App builder.  I did this in about 10 minutes.  If you’ve tried our product, you will recognize the look & feel, and I didn’t have to write any code.   It doesn’t get much easier than that.

We’re about to begin a series of usability testing using both on-site testers as well as UserTesting.com.  In addition to testing the software as the developers release it, we’re planning on using the clickable versions of Balsamiq mockups to test new concepts.  I’ll write a follow-up post letting you know how it turns out.