Fluid UI is a robust, browser-based wireframing and prototyping tool developed by Fluid Software, designed to facilitate the creation of mobile touch interfaces and web applications. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what the product does and its key features:
What Fluid UI Does
Fluid UI is an HTML5-based tool that enables user interface designers and developers to rapidly create prototypes for mobile and web applications. It is particularly useful during the requirements stage of app development, allowing for quick iteration and collaboration between users, clients, and team members.
Key Features and Functionality
Drag-and-Drop Interface
Fluid UI features a user-friendly drag-and-drop WYSIWYG editor, making it easy to arrange pre-built widgets and create wireframes and prototypes without extensive coding knowledge.
Interactive Prototypes
Users can create interactive prototypes by adding gestures, animated transitions, and linking different pages. This allows for a more realistic preview of the final product, enhancing the design and testing process.
Collaboration Tools
The platform supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple team members and clients to work on a prototype simultaneously. It includes features like feedback and commenting, version history, and live video presentations to facilitate communication and feedback.
Pre-Built UI Kits and Customizable Templates
Fluid UI offers a vast library of over 2,000 built-in components, including iOS, Windows, Material Design, and Wireframe libraries. Users can also upload their own content from tools like Sketch or Photoshop, and store custom components in personal galleries.
Responsive Design and Mobile/Web Previews
The tool supports responsive design, allowing prototypes to adapt to different screen sizes and orientations. Users can preview their wireframes on various devices, including Android, Android Tablet, iPhone, and iPad.
Linking and Navigation
Fluid UI’s visual linking system, built with HTML5 canvas and CSS3, enables users to create interactive prototypes using taps, swipes, and other gestures. This feature helps in simulating the actual user experience of the application.
User Testing and Feedback
The platform includes a reviewer mode where users can invite others to review and annotate prototypes. It also supports user testing, allowing for remote testing and feedback collection.
Cloud Storage and Integration
Fluid UI is cloud-based, ensuring that all work is stored securely and accessible from anywhere. It integrates with other tools and offers asset management, symbol libraries, and hotspot creation features.
Team Management and Version Control
The tool provides team management features, allowing multiple team members to work on projects simultaneously. It also includes version history, ensuring that all changes are tracked and manageable.
In summary, Fluid UI is a powerful tool for wireframing and prototyping that streamlines the design process through its intuitive interface, extensive component library, and robust collaboration features. It is designed to help product designers and developers create professional-looking, interactive prototypes efficiently and collaboratively.
