Item: Freehand by InVision
Rating: 8
Author: Melissa Parrino

Overall Satisfaction with InVision Freehand

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use InVision Freehand for a number of things, from wireframing screens to documenting user flows, as well as visually synthesizing feedback during customer calls. We have occasionally even used it to play games. Our department uses it frequently to collaborate between designers to make better decisions about our product decisions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

It provides templates for common uses.
Novice users can quickly catch on to how to use the tools.
Limitless artboards allow for a more creative discovery process.

Cons

Often, I have a "no internet connection" warning despite the computer being directly plugged into a functioning router.
When viewing another person's screen in presentation mode, the use of emojis to vote on ideas causes the mode to jump back to standard. We, then, have to reselect the presenting user's avatar to resume the presentation view.
Over the years, more tools and features have been added. While this is great for designers, it makes onboarding for a single meeting tougher for newbies who are not used to InVision Freehand.

Most Important Features

Using emojis as a means for voting on ideas
Wireframing

Return on Investment

InVision Freehand has offered more cross-departmental transparency and collaboration with others within the company.
I don't have any hard numbers to provide.

Alternatives Considered

Miro

InVision Freehand was more, well, "free" in the sense of idea generation for creativity like those of us in the user experience department. Also, the tool integrates nicely with InVision prototypes. When we first started using InVision Freehand, the tools were more pared-down, which made onboarding new, non-design users easier. The addition of new tools to compete with products like Miro has helped users familiar with the competitor onboard more quickly, but, conversely, it's made it more difficult for people who are new to shared whiteboarding products.

Key Insights

Do you think Freehand by InVision delivers good value for the price?

Not sure

Are you happy with Freehand by InVision's feature set?

Yes

Did Freehand by InVision live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Freehand by InVision go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Freehand by InVision again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Sketch, Aha!, Adobe Illustrator CC

Likelihood to Recommend

It is well-suited to brainstorming on a shared whiteboard within your own department or across departments to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to project criteria and/or design. It is also suited when sharing ideas on a single screen instead of a multi-screen click-through so that viewers understand how a single screen fits into the overall picture. It is also great for organizing your own thoughts and ideas in a non-linear way to open the door to more creativity and supporting visuals.

Comments

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