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ProtoShare is a web-based, collaborative wireframing and prototyping tool. It hosts a WYSIWYG drag-and-drop interface, as well as advanced components users can customize. ProtoShare is not a Flash tool; it uses HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Web developers around the world, Fortune 500 companies, and leading interactive agencies use ProtoShare's collaborative prototyping to deliver better website and mobile experiences in less time. No software required.
What's new in this version: Version 7 adds real-time discussion topic updates, in-line Text editing, a QR code for viewing on device, and usability improvements.
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4.3 starsout of 10 votes
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Results 1-10 of 10
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"Changed the way I create wireframes"
Version: ProtoShare 6.3
Pros
Easy to learn, highly collaborative online tool that has added so much to our information architecture and wireframing process. Our clients love the annotating feature and the idea that all generated thoughts around wireframes can be kept in one online space. As a designer, I find the tools very intuitive - it doesn't feel like working within an Adobe app, but it has the same sensibilities. Tools are in the right place, they do what you expect of them, etc.
I've only had a few exchanges with their tech support and they've all been prompt, helpful and resolved whatever issue I was having.Cons
Each time I think of a con, it's basically attended to in the next release. I haven't gotten into their mobile prototyping too much yet, but that was something that felt like it was missing for a while. However, it's there now and seems pretty robust.
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"Prototyping in the cloud"
Version: ProtoShare 6.3
Pros
I've been working in Protoshare for almost a year and this tool has been a great asset for our company. I'm able to quickly mock-up prototypes and then share them out to the business stakeholders for feedback or to the developers for guidance on what is to be implemented.
By nature of the cloud each of these groups simply needs to login to protoshare to review the wireframes which makes collaboration quick and easy.
Protoshare also pushes out minor and major updates to the product on a consistent basis which shows their dedication to the product and their willingness to add in features or functionality that may be missing.Cons
Working with the various windows and pallets protoshare has can be a bit cumbersome on smaller resolutions. I always feel like I am constantly closing, moving and hiding these windows to maximize my real estate.
Creating advanced UI interactions outside of the built in components protoshare has can feel cumbersome at times.Summary
Protoshare is a really great way to quickly collaborate on upcoming features and functionality before committing real hours to design and development. The support is wonderful and they are always open to suggestions for improving the product which often come out in the next update much to my joy.
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"Great Tool for Any Web Design Business or Product Team"
Version: ProtoShare 6.3
Pros
ProtoShare provides just the right amount of flexibility, without giving the user too many options that would otherwise become cumbersome. The basics are there, making it quick and easy to get up and running, while advanced options such as states allows you to take things further such as mock up overlays or simple javascript UI elements. We also love the simple web export that makes it easy to share with clients and developers. It gets the job done, well.
Cons
PDF export would be a huge improvement over the Word Doc export. I look forward to the day this is an option.
Summary
ProtoShare is a useful, if not vital part of the design process for creating a successful website. My firm relies on ProtoShare to draft ideas and user-interface designs before we get to design or programming. ProtoShare allows us to get much further in our process, faster, through concept sketches and interactive prototypes. Using ProtoShare greatly improving efficiency and saving time and money for our clients as we can review ideas early on, in a highly visual, interactive way. I highly recommend ProtoShare for any individual or company who needs to execute user-interface designs quickly and accurately.
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"Make your team comfortable with prototyping quickly..."
Version: ProtoShare 6.3
Pros
A true prototype is one built in the final technology you'll be using, but often, designers and project managers don't have the skills to do that. Instead, you can build it in whatever tool you're comfortable with.
One of my favorites is Protoshare. Basically, you drag and drop elements of the application on screen, give them names / labels, and provide examples of what happens when you click on a button.
You can have users view it over the internet, and provide direct feedback with thumbtacks and discussion topics.
Finally, you can export this to the 'Requirements Document' that we need to provide to developers to get the final job done. You can create a document with a list of all the fields to be included in the final product, and provide all the details for your developers, alongside a real working prototype!Cons
By nature, a palette of pre made objects can influence your design. Many Protoshare projects come out with traditional UX core elements. You're not going to break the mold with this tool.
This is not an issue if you 1) sketch before you prototype and 2) are not trying to create new UX paradigms, but rather, help people use your tool easily.Summary
Protoshare is a great way to make a team that is not familiar with user-centered design comfortable with prototyping and iterating. Individuals of your team may grow out of it eventually, but it played a critical role in developing an iterative culture for our organization.
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"I finally found the perfect solution for story boarding"
Version: ProtoShare 6.0
Pros
I've spent the past few years trying to figure out the best way and best tools to communicate design, and sure enough I've finally found it!
Protoshare is an on-line collaboration utility which has saved me hundreds of hours from day one.
Our previous process went like this:
1) Create a wire frame in Balsalmiq, Omnigraffle, or Photoshop
2) Send JPGs / PDFs to the graphic designer / client to review
3) Receive feedback, make changes and resend updated documents to client
What an in-box nightmare!
The best thing about Protoshare is that you can define masters and templates which make re-using and updating design elements a synch. Also, reviewers can be invited to give their feedback directly in the software.
Protoshare has completely streamlined our design process. I'm just starting to get very comfortable with it and I haven't even been able to take advantage of all of the product's features (such as including page technical specifications and export.)Cons
My original impression was that cost was a little expensive. We use a lot of software and $50 here and $100 there adds up very quickly. But I think the benefits out way the cost. The developers did a terrific job, and if this program earns me an additional hour per month it's more than paid for itself.
Summary
I look forward to seeing where this platform goes as the company grows. They've quickly replaced our other wire framing and story boarding applications. I think the future of Protoshare will replace other systems we use for collaboration as well.
Thank you! -
"Feature rich and ideal solution, but haunted by bugs"
Version: ProtoShare 6.0
Pros
They`ve got probably the best idea out there when it comes to wireframing. Why we chose this one above other options is that it has great features, while retaining a very small learning curve. It enables you to create more than just ugly black and white line drawings, while keeping the quick turnaround necessary for effective wireframing. It also allows a level of interaction that gives your client a great sense of the final product, but again, keeping the turn around time to a minimum. Finally, it has an awesome feature of allowing you to export to a web hosted (free) or zip file, to share with others. For features, and ease of use, it deserves a 5 out of 5
Cons
It is very dependent on the latest and greatest browsers, and flat out falls on it`s face in IE. It has a few quirks, which can be frustrating before you learn how to work with them. It was a bit buggy in the previous version, and when version 6 came out, rather than fixing the bugs, they focused on new features, and introduced many new bugs. At this point, with the current state of version 6, it`s almost enough of a turn off that we`re considering switching. It has become very resource intensive, and the bugs are borderline crippling. While the features and ease makes it deserving of a 5, the bugs and resource hogging significantly reduces that to a 2.5
Summary
An awesome idea, with great implementation. Ideal balance of features to ease of use and functionality. But they`re shooting themselves in the foot by releasing buggy code, and not coming back to address them. If they`re not careful, they`ll loose the support they have.
Update: Protoshare contacted me with an interest in resolving the issues. I give them a +1 for listening to their users, and I would love to come back at a later date and be able to say the issues have been resolved... developing
Updated on Feb 3, 2012
Updated on Jun 5, 2012Thanks to a very responsive customer support, and a company that cares about what their users say - our previous concerns have been negated. With the release of 6.1 and 6.2, the issues that were introduced in 6.0 have been resolved.
The majority of our projects go through an analysis stage, and we use Protoshare extensively during this process. Since the latest release, we've purchased additional licenses, and would highly recommend this as the wireframing tool of choice.
One of the many benefits is the contribution to customer satisfaction. Including clients in this visual process, and having a definitive deliverable in the form of interactive wireframes that they are able to demo to their user group is an excellent way to get their buyin, and provide added value.
Wireframing is an absolute requirement for defining specs and expectations, and has saved us considerable resource investment. That, combined with improved customer buy-in, doubtless has offset any licensing expenses
Updated on Jun 12, 2012CNET does not allow you to update your stars on a review, nor does it allow you to post a new review. If I could, I would update this to a 5 star. -
"Rapid Prototyping with Powerful Collaboration Features"
Version: ProtoShare 5.0
Pros
- Enables quick viewing and feedback
- Consolidates documentation for tight requirements
- Threaded conversations
- Easy to learn
- Flexible use for multiple workflow models
- Responsive support staff
- ReadyCons
- No external pattern library or marketplace (yet)
- Limited exporting options
- Reviewers counted against authorized users on all but unlimited model
- No desktop version
- Testing-ready. From build to live prototype in no time flat
- CSS enabledSummary
Simply the best solution around for the price.
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"Great for software design"
Version: ProtoShare 5.0
Pros
It's key to get started early in the process -- you'll maximize this investment no problem.
Cons
None to mention
Summary
As a CEO of an early stage company, I'd strongly recommend you start with protoshare and get your process down right from the start.
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"Fast and powerful online wireframes"
Version: ProtoShare 5.0
Pros
- Save HUGE amounts of time prototyping large-scale sites with auto-populating navigation, templates, styles, and reusable clips
- Fast and efficient, feels like desktop software
- Many workflow options; review with built-in tools or export as HTMLCons
None, really. I think this is the best solution of it's kind right now.
Summary
I work as part of a small interactive design agency and we have used Protoshare on a few dozen projects over the last two years. It's cut our wireframing time dramatically, enabled our clients to see and interact with more pages, and helped specify tighter requirements. Pages are interactive and can be as high-or low-fidelity as you need (stock components, CSS styling, or even import images/comps). There's been no downside for us--highly recommended.
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"Poor customer service and buggy interface"
Version: ProtoShare 3.0.5
Pros
- Revolutionary in terms of migrating UX/IA functions into a browser-based service
- Intuitive interfaceCons
- Poor customer service philosophy (if you're an on & off user, they don't offer much flexibility- rigid account policies.)
- Very buggy in most browsers (even the latest)
- When you cancel, you lose everything- no export servicesSummary
This product may work decently for small projects (<$25,000 budget), but it pales in comparison to Axure/iRise. Axure is by far the most convenient and affordable tool out there and I would highly recommend using that over Protoshare. Protoshare has a long way to go (from company philosophy & architecture standpoints) before it impacts the UX space.
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