Software design platforms offer the capabilities of both wireframing software and prototyping software to handle the complete preliminary creation process for new software and applications. These solutions allow users to diagram and create the blueprints of web pages or applications, then create incomplete or preliminary versions of that software. Wireframes range from simple sketches and page layouts to realistic and moderately responsive representations of a developing web page or application, while prototypes simulate the final product in order to test, document errors, and deliver feedback.
Development teams use software design solutions to allocate resources and requirements as they design the look and feel of applications with wireframing tools, then use prototyping tools to increase the speed at which they build, test, and iterate their program.
To qualify for the Software Design Platforms category, a platform or product suite must offer the following core features:
Provide tools for outlining applications structure and content
Possess tools for exporting or sharing wireframes
Provide tools for creating both low-fidelity mockups and interactive models of final applications
Have libraries with frameworks, structures, outlines, workflow templates, and symbols
Provide interface creating and editing tools
Possess requirements management tools
Include feedback and communication components
In some cases, a software design platform may support features of diagramming software, collaborative whiteboard software, or both, including:
Specialized tools for designing one or more types of diagrams
Industry-related shapes and elements for use in diagrams
A customizable and editable blank design space that can be accessed and used my multiple contributors simultaneously
Design tools that allow users to draw and annotate