Can I use Visio as a prototyping tool?

[Gary B]

Hi. I'm a user interface designer with lots of experience using Visual Basic
and VB Script. I generally create wireframes using Visio and have recently
noticed that I can insert activeX controls, etc., into my Visio drawings,
making it seem like I can turn my drawings into working prototypes for
demonstrating functionality to clients and usability testing with users.

I've tried saving my drawings as a web page, but the resulting page doesn't
work. I'm looking for a way to "play", "publish", or "package" my drawings
(and VB code) so that I can demonstrate functionality. Is there a way to do
this?

Thanks,
Gary

 

[Chris Roth [Visio MVP]]

Hi Gary,

When you "Save As Web", any VBA controls on the page essentially go dead.

You could write code that creates a custom web-export, which translates
controls into their web equivalents. (See:
http://www.visguy.com/2007/08/24/customized-visio-html-export/)

This could lead to a slippery slope, with your own home-grown version of
"Visio Expression Web" at the bottom! Perhaps more work than you really
want to invest at this point.

The only practical way to distribute your prototypes is as Visio files,
which will require Visio on the other end. Recipients will also have to
approve your VBA code to run when the document is opened.

None of the viewer options will work for you without lots of
modification: Save As Web, export to PDF, Visio Viewer web-control.



On a related note, I've got some articles related to IA and wireframes
on my web site:

http://www.visguy.com/category/shapes/wireframes-ia/

The articles also have links to other Visio-related wireframing articles
out there in web-land.

--
Hope this helps,

Chris Roth
Visio MVP


Visio Guy: Smart Graphics for Visual People

Articles: http://www.visguy.com
Shapes: http://www.visguy.com/shapes
Dev: http://www.visguy.com/category/development/
Forum: http://www.viguy.com/vgforum

 

[Gary B]

Thanks Chris. Very helpful. I have a follow-up question:

So if I was to distribute my prototypes as Visio files, is there some sort
of "play" functionality (like what they have in .Net, VB, etc.) that allows
me (or others) to play the file "outside of the development environment"? My
goal is to try to make the "prototype" the main focus instead of being
affected by Visio menus, toolbards, etc. Or is that not possible?

Just out of curiosity, so then what's the main purpose of having these
developer controls in Visio, if they're not really intended to function in a
"working application".

Thanks for all of your help.
Gary