Software

Here are two software tools that I wish I knew about before now, but better late than never.

One very good software tool (Creately) that will help you with diagramming use cases, class diagram, and system sequence diagrams, as well as Wireframes and UI.  For all UML diagrams, it's mostly drag and drop.  Plus you can collaborate with others.  Here's a short video explaining how it works:



When you go to this link, click on Resources, then Tutorials, for a list of all types of diagramming hints.  When you Explore the diagram, some of them will have videos about it.  You can see example templates, but I suggest you click on the Symbols link at the top menu to see how to draw them.  We cover them, but these are easy reminders in pretty colors.  I usually cover System Sequence Diagrams (SSDs), but this diagram may be useful for some of you.  Anyway, hope it helps.

The second software program is Capterra. It allows you to "compare products, and get the latest software research to find the right solution for your business."  This is perfect for your Competitive Analysis matrix!!  You can either search for a category (e.g., inventory management) or you can click on Software Categories to a get a long alpabetical list.  Using "inventory management" as an example, you can then choose the features that you would like to include (e.g., order entry).  Or you can view the profile to see which software products you want to compare (filtering is recommended!!).    If you searched for, say, Real Estate, you could choose the term that may best define your needs (e.g., CRM, Agency software, Real Estate Management, etc.)

I hope these are helpful tools.  It's always good to share what you learn with the rest of us!!  Please add any other software tools (e.g., drawing, prototyping, etc) that you think others will find useful and beneficial.