Too often we get started on web design by focusing on everything but the design. Yes, there's a place for function, prototyping, testing, but in the beginning layout needs to be king. That's where Balsamiq comes in. Balsamiq takes a unique approach in web layout by becoming your virtual paper napkin and pen. They actually take hand drawn shapes and text and allow you to do your layout with that old-fashioned, manual look. I'd heard about Balsamiq on the TWIT network's Net@Night show months ago, but only recently took it for a spin.
At first glance it would be easy to get turned off by the seemingly "unprofessional" look, but remember, the whole point is to focus on layout--you'll have time to dress it up later. Hopefully with the right tools already established. This method also lends itself to helping your client actually look at layout issues and not get enamored (or distracted) with logos, color, 3D buttons, etc. After all, isn't layout just as important as graphic perfection?
Balsamiq's competitors (e.g. ProtoShare) provide tools that are so vast and deep that I might as well start my design the old fashioned way, back in my web design program. This is where Balsamiq's simplicity is it's strength.
My only suggestion (thus far) would be this: Why not have Balsamiq play double-duty and have a secret set of duplicate objects that, with the click of a button, would allow me to turn my hand drawn version into something more corporate and professional? This way, I can use my digital napkin, but if I happen to run into one of those fussy clients, I can always click the "professional version" button and have the less artistic, more crisp looking version at hand.
Don't get me wrong, Balsamiq has plenty of options and flexibility, and it doesn't need to try to be anything more than what it is--an excellent web design layout program.
Enjoy. No really, you can try it for free, so why not give it a shot.
- Hutch
P.S. Since it's web-based or run's as an Adobe Air product, it's cross-platform.
