The more things change . . .forget that, Thermo rocks!

I am in a place and time in my career where I can look back to what I have done and look forward to what I might be doing. The pendulum has swung from main frame (thin client) to client-server (robust client) back to internet (thin client again) and back again to desktop (robust client).

I remember how great Visual Basic (in the client-server days) was in visualizing interface real time and quickly getting feedback. When I started working in the Internet in 97-98, the tools were a real step backwards from a UI standpoint.

In the last year or so, using Adobe Flex, we once again are at the level we were back in the early 90's. Now I am not talking about the uber-techno folks or the graphically inclined designers. I talking about the people like me. We know a bit technically but are more visual requirement type people who are not color blind (but in my case just have bad taste ;-).

Now, I thought things would be somewhat the same, then I saw the Thermo preview at the Max conference, it really blew me away. This tool will change the face of UI creation / prototyping. We have a new ball-game.

I can take an idea, which is presented visually and make it a prototype in less than an hour. WOW. This will allow for some very quick validation for all types of prototyping (Concept, Design and Production).

I can't wait to get my hands on it.