Axure
By Axure Software
The implementation process for Axure RP, a comprehensive tool for UX professionals, involves several key steps:
Download and Installation:
Users can download Axure RP 10 directly from the Axure website. The installation process is straightforward and typically involves running an installer file and following on-screen instructions.
Initial Setup:
After installation, users can start by setting up their workspace. This includes configuring project settings, creating or importing design assets, and setting up adaptive views for different devices (desktop, tablet, phone).
Creating Prototypes:
Users can begin creating UX prototypes using Axure's drag-and-drop interface. The software supports a wide range of interactive elements, including working forms, multi-state containers, and data-driven interfaces. Users can add interaction events, conditional logic, and dynamic content to make realistic, functional prototypes.
Adding Notes and Specifications:
To ensure clear communication with developers and stakeholders, users can add detailed notes and specifications directly within the prototypes. This helps capture requirements and provides context for the design decisions.
Sharing and Collaboration:
Axure RP allows users to share functional prototypes with just a click. Prototypes can be embedded directly into tools like Jira and Confluence, and feedback can be gathered on-screen. The software also integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams for notifications and updates.
Developer Handoff:
The final step involves streamlining the handoff to developers. Axure RP provides automated redlines, design assets, and CSS inspection to ensure that developers have all the necessary information to implement the designs accurately.
Axure RP is a highly customizable software that allows users to create prototypes with unlimited combinations of event triggers, conditions, and actions, allowing for the exploration of various digital experiences. The software supports dynamic content creation, allowing businesses to create prototypes that reflect their unique workflows and user interactions. Axure RP also allows the design of adaptive views for different devices on a single page, providing optimal user experiences across various screen sizes and devices. It integrates with popular design and project management tools like Figma, Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, streamlining workflows and ensuring seamless integration into existing business processes. The software also allows for continuous feedback and collaboration, allowing for continuous customization and refinement of prototypes based on stakeholder input. The implementation timeframe varies depending on project complexity and team familiarity but is designed to be efficient.
Axure RP primarily operates on a subscription model with different pricing tiers, but there are some additional costs and considerations:
Subscription Costs:
Axure RP Pro: $29 per user per month (or $25 per user per month if billed annually).
Axure RP Team: $49 per user per month (or $42 per user per month if billed annually).
Axure for Enterprise: Pricing available on request, which includes additional features like user management, single sign-on, and private or on-premises security.
Setup Fees:
Maintenance and Support Charges:
Support: Axure offers various support options including a knowledge base, chat, FAQs/forum, phone support, and email/help desk. These are typically included in the subscription cost.
Dedicated Account Manager: Available for enterprise customers, which might incur additional costs.
Personalized Onboarding Support: Also available, likely included in higher-tier plans or enterprise solutions.
Axure provides extensive training and support options to help new users get started and become proficient with the software:
Core Training and Tutorials:
Axure offers a series of core training videos and articles that cover the basics of creating and sharing prototypes, adding and styling widgets, and using dynamic panels.
The official Axure YouTube channel provides step-by-step video tutorials, which include example RP files for hands-on learning.
On-Site and Remote Training:
Axure trainers are available globally, offering on-site and remote training in multiple languages. Training ranges from basic to master classes and can be customized to meet specific needs.
Companies like Delta CX and AxureBoutique provide private training sessions, real-world UX design examples, and customizable curriculums.
Support Options:
Email and Phone Support: Users can contact the Axure support team via email for feature requests, bug fixes, and technical troubleshooting. Phone and screenshare support are available after initial email support.
Community and Forums: Axure has a user forum where users can get advice, share expertise, and troubleshoot issues with the community.
Documentation and Knowledge Base: Comprehensive documentation and a reference guide are available to help users learn the basics, dive into tutorials, and troubleshoot issues.
Educational Resources:
Axure offers free subscriptions for students and teachers, providing access to the full suite of tools for educational purposes.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) offers online training courses that cover fundamental to advanced Axure RP skills.
Custom Courses and Workshops:
Custom courses and workshops are available for companies and individuals, covering everything from rapid prototyping to advanced scripting and mobile prototyping.
Axure Software Solutions has implemented several security measures to protect user data, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations such as the GDPR and SOC 2 Type II certification:
GDPR Compliance:
Axure is committed to GDPR compliance, which includes following security and privacy measures required under the regulation. This involves training staff in data handling, limiting data access to essential personnel, and ensuring third-party vendors adhere to the same standards.
In case of a data breach, Axure will promptly notify regulators, customers, and end users.
Customer data is stored on Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers located in the US, which meet stringent security regulations and standards.
SOC 2 Type II Certification:
Axure has achieved SOC 2 Type II certification, which demonstrates its commitment to high levels of security and compliance. This certification covers the security, availability, and confidentiality of the systems used to process user data.
The certification includes policies on how systems and data are protected, how services are designed and developed, and how internal business systems and networks are managed.
Data Encryption:
Data at rest is stored securely on AWS servers with industry-leading physical and environmental controls.
Data in transit is protected using SSL/TLS encryption to ensure secure communication between users and Axure's services.
Access Control:
Only essential staff located in the US and UK have access to customer data, and only when necessary provide services.
Axure uses role-based access control to manage permissions and ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
Regular Security Reviews:
Axure periodically reviews and updates its processes and security policies to ensure ongoing compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations.
Axure releases updates regularly to ensure the software remains secure, functional, and up to date with the latest features:
Update Frequency:
Axure RP updates are released periodically, with both major and minor updates. Users can check for the latest updates and release history on the Axure website.
The company also provides notifications for updates and new features through its support channels and documentation.
Update Management:
Users can update their Axure RP software by downloading the latest version from the Axure website. The update process is straightforward and typically involves running an installer.
For on-premises solutions like Axure Cloud for Business, updates can be managed by running the provided installer, which handles the upgrade process. This process includes updating the database schema and reconfiguring any necessary settings, such as SSL.
Axure provides detailed documentation and support for managing updates, including troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the update process.
Support for Older Versions:
Axure continues to support older versions of its software for a certain period. For example, support for Axure RP 8 ended in April 2022, while support for Axure RP 9 continues until further notice.
Users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version to take advantage of new features and security enhancements.
Axure Software Solutions has clear policies regarding data ownership and portability, as outlined in their Customer Agreement and Privacy Policy:
Data Ownership:
Customers retain full ownership of any information, files, and folders they upload or create using Axure's services, excluding any feedback provided to Axure.
Axure and its licensors own all intellectual property and proprietary rights in the software and any updates or modifications made to it, whether by Axure, the customer, or any third party.
Data Portability:
Axure does not provide built-in features for exporting data directly to external databases or other software. However, users can use workarounds such as making GET requests with query parameters to export data from prototypes.
The Axure RP API, currently in technical preview, allows programmatic access to design information captured in Axure RP files. This API can be used to generate custom documentation, code snippets, and other formats like PDF, PPT, HTML, or XML, facilitating data portability.
Axure's Privacy Policy ensures that users can access and edit their Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and request the deletion of their data, although complete deletion may not be possible due to backups and archives.
Axure offers subscription plans for organizations, allowing them to scale their usage based on their needs. The Axure RP Pro subscription costs $29 per user per month, suitable for individual users or small teams. The Axure RP Team subscription costs $49 per user per month, including additional features for team collaboration. The Axure for Enterprise subscription includes advanced security, user management, and on-premises hosting options. The enterprise plan offers features like single sign-on, user management, and private or on-premises security, beneficial for larger teams. Axure supports integration with tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack for efficient communication. Axure's cloud services and on-premises solutions help organizations manage their data and resources efficiently. Regular updates and maintenance are provided, with support options including email, phone, and screenshare support.
Automatic Renewal:
Axure subscriptions automatically renew for additional successive subscription periods unless canceled by the customer. This applies to both monthly and annual billing terms.
For example, if you have a monthly subscription, it will renew each month unless you cancel it before the end of the current billing period.
Cancellation Policy:
Subscriptions can be canceled at any time. If you cancel a subscription, the cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing period, and you will not be billed for the next period.
For annual subscriptions, if you cancel, the change will take effect at the end of the annual term, and you will not be billed for the next year.
Prorated Charges:
When upgrading to a higher-tier plan, the change takes effect immediately, and you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current term.
Downgrades are applied after the current term ends, ensuring that you are not billed immediately for the lower-tier plan.
Refunds:
Axure does not explicitly mention refunds for canceled subscriptions in their standard terms. However, if Axure is unable to rectify any failures in the software, they may elect to terminate the agreement and refund the subscription fees for the remaining portion of the current subscription period.
Changes to Terms:
Axure reserves the right to update or modify the Customer Agreement and related policies. These changes will be effective upon posting unless specified otherwise. Customers will be notified of significant changes, and the modifications will take effect upon the next renewal or update.
Axure Software Solutions adheres to several compliance standards to ensure the security and privacy of user data:
GDPR Compliance:
Axure is committed to compliance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This includes implementing security and privacy measures required under GDPR, training staff in data handling, and promptly notifying regulators and customers in case of a data breach.
SOC 2 Type II Certification:
Axure has achieved SOC 2 Type II certification, which demonstrates its commitment to high levels of security and compliance. This certification covers the security, availability, and confidentiality of the systems used to process user data.
PCI Compliance:
Axure is PCI compliant for transmitting credit card information. Their third-party credit card processor meets the highest industry standards and guidelines, PCI DSS Level 1.
NIST Standards:
Axure adheres to NIST standards for server security, ensuring that their servers are maintained securely and evaluated regularly.
AWS Compliance:
Axure uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host its cloud products. AWS datacenters meet numerous compliance standards and regulations, including CSA, ISO, PCI, SOC, and FedRAMP, providing a secure infrastructure for Axure’s applications.
Data Encryption:
Data in transit is protected using SSL/TLS encryption, and authentication and session data are stored using AES-256 encryption.
