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This month I looked at a card sorting tool, a diagramming
and wireframing tool, and a rapid prototyping tool.
Here are my thoughts:
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SmartDraw |
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1. What is the function of the tool?
SmartDraw (2012a), which is marketed as a ‘visual processor’ offers a range of functions to assist in the IA building of a web site, as well as diagramming for other purposes. One attractive feature found on first inspection is the function which allows you to ‘reverse engineer’ the structure of an existing web site with one click:
For the purpose of this evaluation, the wireframing and web
diagramming features were explored.
2. What is the scope of the tool - how many participants/users, etc.?
As the software is offline when in use, there are no real-time
concurrent user options, at least in the free trial version.
3. At what stage in the IA process would you use it?
For diagramming, SmartDraw would be
most applicable in the early stages of mapping out the site, after user needs
and organisational goals have been ascertained, and content has been decided
upon. The diagramming would
be useful for working out how information will be organised throughout the
site, and also for understanding how the user will navigate through the site
(Morville & Rosenfeld, 2007, p. 49). For wireframing, SmartDraw would be useful
for mapping the design and layout of each actual page as a rough guide to
run through with both users and the web design team before prototyping
begins (Morville & Rosenfeld, 2007, p. 272-3), for example, as a paper version
or data display.
4. What are the practical applications
and in what settings?
The diagramming function would be useful for mapping out the shape
and flow of information organisation of the site, particularly for a group
planning situation where changes could be made on a data display for the whole
team. Printed or electronic copies
could be distributed to the relevant team members also. The wireframing would be aimed at sharing
visual layout and design specifications.
This feature would probably be better used as a static, i.e. printed or
emailed document after consultation, rather than as a visual tool in a team
meeting situation, as it is a little slow to build up in a live setting.
5. What is the cost and time
involved?
Following the seven-day free trial, the standard package is $197.00, the business package is $297.00 and the enterprise package is $497.00. As for learning how to use the tools in this package: after testing the free version over several days, it would seem that at least one week is required to become competent, whilst it is possible to reach a reasonable level of proficiency within a day. A longer trial period would most definitely ease pressure on the tester.
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