What *collaborative* wireframing / UI mockup tools are out there?

Question

I'm looking for something that applies the collaboration focus (one location/URL, always up-to-date, multi-person online read/write access anywhere) of google docs / google spreadsheets to wireframing. Bonus points if, like Google Docs, it needs only a browser yet also works offline. More bonus points if it supports automatic revisions. Even more bonus points if you can hand out login-less 'invitation' URLs like Flickr does, instead of forcing people into signing up for accounts or using their home accounts.

To start off, there's one called iPlotz, but it didn't enchant me -- ironically, mostly because of its akward UI, which can't hold a candle to omnigraffle (don't let that prevent you from giving it a try though).

And no, paper prototyping, wonderful as it is, does not qualify: it does not combine being instantly globally shareable & editable very well :-)

Answer 1

Have you tried Balsamiq Mockups?

Answer 2

I'd be interested in your feedback as to why you think the UI is awkward on iplotz? - how do you think it could be made better?..

As for not needing to sign in to see accounts, that ability will be there soon.

Answer 3

I would have to second the use of Balsamiq Mockups. I played around with the online demo for about an hour (just kept clicking the close button on the popup every 5 minutes) and it was fantastic. Was able the export the mock up to XML and to an actual image file for saving it. Granted some UI elements are missing, but for a lot of interfaces it will give you a great starting point for conveying the general layout.

Answer 4

Hi there, Peldi here from Balsamiq. I am working on a hosted version of Mockups which will also sync with Mockups for Desktop. Stay tuned at balsamiq.com, or email me if you'd like to be on the very exclusive private beta ;)

Answer 5

Hi Jan,

Give Creately.com a try. Its an online collaborative application for drawing simple business and technical diagrams and has been specifically tailored for wireframes and UIs. We're still in a private Beta phase but would love for you to give it and try and let us know your thoughts. Email me - charan [at] cinergix.com to fast track your beta invite.

Answer 6

Have a look at mockingbird!

Mockingbird is an online tool that makes it easy for you to create, link together, preview, and share mockups of your website or application.

Answer 7

Mockflow has most of the features you might want.

Answer 8

If you are working in Flex, then http://www.colabry.com should be of interest. Beyond wireframes and mockups, Colabry enables collaborative UI creation and development. As a research vehicle, it has opened the door to a new generation of collaboration possibilities.