I have worked with some clients in the past who have preferred to use desktop applications, but I see more and more often that UX designers are making the switch to cloud-based wireframe tools. Why is this? One reason is that online wireframe tools have improved dramatically over the last couple of years. Household and business internet connections are also much better than they used to be and many people can now access the internet on the go through their mobile networks. This means that cloud computing has lead to a more flexible working style.
Cloud-based wireframe tools are also important for collaboration. These tools often enable designers to send a link of a prototype to stakeholders to review and simulate online. Some tools even allow for multiple designers to collaborate on a project in real time at different locations. This is especially useful for international teams. Another advantage of cloud-based tools is that prototypes can be simulated in the browser on end devices. This means that if a designer is planning a mobile website, they can simulate it on the mobile device itself and click through. This is especially important for usability testing. The main advantage of cloud-based tools is the version control this allows. Rather than saving multiple versions of the same project and not being sure what others have approved, cloud-based wireframing tools automatically save changes and show only the most recently saved project. These also show who is collaborating on a project at the same time, giving the user control over his project.