Hello
How can i create a dummy design of an application before the actual development starts? How to simulate the UI of the application. After completing the analysis phase do i need to start the design directly using dev tools or can i create some dummies (even images, using Visio or something) with other tools?
Thank you
If you're programming in c# and WPF use Expression Blend and SketchFlow.
What you need is called wireframes.
You should try some of these.
We use Balsamiq Mockups for this purpose, it works very well for us and there is a free version.
The mockups look very much like hand-drawn wireframes, which is useful for avoiding the impression of a nearly-complete application.
One advantage of Balsamiq over some other wireframe tools we have tried is that it lets you simulate simple application logic, such as click on this link, and it will load the next web page. This allows simple "demos" of the mockup.
Also (not sure if this just the paid version which we have) it allows you to export your wireframes to PDF, with the clickable links included. this is a nice portable way of showing your mockup to clients, other developers, managers, etc without needing any additional software or anything.
Use something lightweight such as Pencil. The danger with using the dev tools to mock up a GUI is that the users will think your demo basically is the application. They won't appreciate how much work has yet to be done behind the scenes.
At the same time, putting too much work into making some realistic looking in Word or Visio is wasted, because you have to redo everything in your development tool. What you're after is something as close to a whiteboard as possible. That's why the hand-drawn look of Balsamiq Mockups is so handy.
With a whiteboard, markers and a digital camera. Everything else is a lot slower. And the important part is to not be the only one in front of the whiteboard. The communication over the design is crucial. Don't be the lone genius in the corner.
And then we have the paper, pencil, scissors, removable (post-it) glue variant.
And for high-tech: magnetic widgets on a magnetic board.
ForeUI is a prototyping tool that can help you to design the UI and interaction. It will generate DHTML simulation for your project and you can run it in your web browser.