iPlotz

I routinely have new ideas pop into my head, but I only follow-through on a small percentage of them. This doesn’t mean that most of the ideas aren’t good, but instead, there’s only so much that I can do. I’m sure many of you have also been in the same position. However, instead of throwing away certain ideas due to a lack of time, I’m going to try to start sketching out what they would look like and how they would work so that I can make an informed decision about whether or not I want to pursue them. Depending on what the idea is about, this may or may not be very easy to do, but with Web sites and software, it couldn’t be easier. A service called iPlotz enables you to create mockups and wireframes for your technical prototypes.

Both Web-based and desktop components are available, but the free version of iPlotz will get you started with one project on the Web. A number of popular, familiar, and customizable components can be added to your wireframes, and including your own images makes these designs feel real. Once designed, you can then share the prototypes with other people and get their feedback to help you determine whether the project is ready to move forward or not.

• Brainstorm: Get Easy, Quick Ideas!