Framebench, an online tool for visual collaboration, seeks to alleviate the digital sharing problems architects and designers commonly face in practice. Aiming to do away with file storage systems, FTP clients and other kinds of complex software, this web application allows for teams and individuals to share, discuss and annotate drawings in real time. Framebench suggest that "this could be the online space where you can organize all your drafts and finals, get feedback and approve the work that's finished" - in realtime.
The system works by creating workspaces for teams to quickly share their files with one another. You can share any image, video, or document with your team, who can then view it right there without any downloads or installation. While viewing, anyone can annotate on top or leave comments; these comments transform into discussion threads that can be referred back to and added to later.
What separates Framebench from many other online collaborative tools is the realtime feature they've called TableTop Sync. "Your teams can be presenting to clients live and getting feedback/suggestions right there." Plus, it seamlessly integrates with Google Hangouts.
Features:
- TableTop Sync: zoom, pan, play, pause and start drawing simultaneously, and everyone will stay on the same page. Just like you were sitting across a table.
- Adding files to any software - a much overlooked aspect and yet very important. Framebench supports drag-drop uploads, import from cloud storage systems like Dropbox and even has a Chrome extension which can pull files from any webpage or even your email.
- You can open Framebench along with a Google Hangout and have a truly visual session.
You can begin using Framebench for free. A starter plan costs $19 a month for 100 files going up to $99 for unlimited files.
For a chance to win a 50% discount from one of Framebench's plans, answer the following question in the comments below : What's the biggest hurdle preventing seamless collaboration within your team? You have until Thursday, May 1st to answer; winners will be contacted the following day. Good luck!
