I recently found and tried a great product: the WireframeSketcher (http://wireframesketcher.com )a plug-in for the Eclipse IDE. I have used over time almost all of the techniques and tools that help web developers and designers create a high level web designs. All the way from notepad, PowerPoint to Visio to graphical programs. None have been my favorite although I have tended to use PowerPoint since it is the fastest way to create screen layouts. The two things that we must do for our clients is to present them with a web flow (the storyboard) and screen layouts (wireframes).
This is a simple tool to install and use yet it allows you to create wireframes that are detailed as you want them to be. I created a new page to house my first wireframe. Immediately the pallet of possible tools opens. There are divided into five areas: Containers, Text, Layout, Annotations and Input. Each have multiple tools to choose from. Just drag onto your page and add text or size it.
After about 10 minutes of design work I created a login screen wireframe.
Once you have create a series of wireframe screen, you then can create a page for the web story. Simply drag the wireframe pages onto the story and you then can show your client the series of screens that will be created. Once you have a set of wireframes and storyboard you can output to an image, PDF or print them for review and distribution.
Now that I have this tool, I’m going to do all my layouts and creative thinking right in my Eclipse IDE. Great tool and should save me time and allow me to create faster and better wireframes then before.