WP8 app prototyping tools?

[Mister Underhill]

Ok, I'm trying to find some good prototyping tools that can be used for designing WP8 apps. Something that will build out at least a semi-functional prototype to help me envision it so I can send better specs to my developer. Now, I'm more on the information architect/design side of things and definitely not a coder, though I can do some very minor development. Can you guys recommend anything that would allow me to at least hash out the look and feel of an app and possibly fake the functionality? Thanks in advance.

 

[markfive]

Expression SketchFlow: An Overview is definitely worth a look.

 

[Mister Underhill]

I'll check that out. Thanks man

 

[markfive]

No probs, hope it does the job for you.

 

[AbernathyPhoto]

I design iOS GUI Kits that work with Apple Keynote. They are excellent for app prototyping and it looks like a functional app too. But mine are for iOS. Keynote is pretty simple to use. You could design the elements yourself with a little work. Easy App Mockups, Wireframing & Prototyping for iPhone and iPad | App Mockup Tools

 

[Mister Underhill]

Cheers mate Unfortunately I don't have a Mac at the moment but if I get access to one again, I'll be sure to use those.

 

[danialgoodwin]

If you like Photoshop, then you should try these PSD files from Microsoft: Download PSD design assets for Windows Store apps (Windows)

 

[Andre Esteves]

I use this one Fluid UI and find it to be very good. It is a drag-and-drop with Windows 8, iPhone and Android layouts and interfaces.

 

[Geof Harries]

This was the idea behind our app, Proto Hound, I was in the same situation as you, wanting to quickly develop WP8 prototypes, but not have to always open (or learn the depths of) Expression Blend to do so. Proto Hound is focused on dragging and dropping, then customizing, standard library controls and when done, exporting as XAML.

Anyway, I know this is a shameless plug for our own app, but I thought you may be interested in knowing Proto Hound is out there.

 

[polomint]

Hi, I have just had a look at Proto Hound. Does it allow us to create grids? Also do you have a video or something that shows us how the pivots work?
And how about Panoramas? Heh.
Looks good so far, im currently toying with purchasing it as i would like to be able to prototype app designs whilst travelling to work,

 

[Geof Harries]

Everything snaps to the grid automatically with Proto Hound. That way, when you add a control to the canvas and drag it around, the control sticks to the grid. That said, you can also turn this feature off when you're on the settings screen.

As for a video of the pivots feature, sorry, no we don't, but that's a great idea.

In regards to panoramas, no not yet.

Give the free trial a whirl and let me know what you think. Proto Hound is still very much a work in progress and your ideas/input are appreciated.

geof

 

[polomint]

Well, I've decided to buy it
I shall play about with it and see what suggestions I can come up with

 

[polomint]

I like this, very handy whilst laid in bed lol.
Now..... A way to take a screenshot, i know I can take a screenshot but being able to take one as it would look on the phone without the toolbar at the bottom would be better.
Saving as a xaml file to SkyDrive.
A way to create a button bar along the bottom, cant remember what it is called

More to come I'm sure lol

 

[polomint]

I created a pivot design. Added 3 pivots, placed a label on each pivot. I then went back to the main menu and reloaded the design i was creating. All the labels then appeared on the first pivot instead of being on the pivots i had placed them on

 

[jbigelow]

Anyway, I know this is a shameless plug for our own app, but I thought you may be interested in knowing Proto Hound is out there.

Very interesting, I'm playing with the trial now and will probably end up purchasing. This app looks like it has a lot of potential for quick brainstorming of designs.

 

[Geof Harries]

Screenshot, hmmm. That's an interesting idea. As for saving to XAML,that's actually a feature we're working on.

And in regards to the button bar at the bottom, do you mean the app (application) bar where the icons live?

 

[Geof Harries]

I created a pivot design. Added 3 pivots, placed a label on each pivot. I then went back to the main menu and reloaded the design i was creating. All the labels then appeared on the first pivot instead of being on the pivots i had placed them on

Good catch and sorry about that. We'll look into this problem.

 

[Geof Harries]

Very interesting, I'm playing with the trial now and will probably end up purchasing. This app looks like it has a lot of potential for quick brainstorming of designs.

Thanks! That was the original goal, so if the app can help you quickly brainstorm and produce those ideas, I'd be stoked.

 

[polomint]

Good catch and sorry about that. We'll look into this problem.

yes, the application bar it doesn't have to do anything, its just so i can see roughly what i want in the bar
This definitely looks promising

 

[polomint]

Also, a way to invert the grid colours (in settings?) as i much prefer a dark background with white dots

Note: the screenshot is so that I can share the look of the ui with others and get feedback hopefully