Although I recently made a reference to the EightShapes Unify framework, I think it deserves a separate mention in the templates category. Their approach to UX documentation is a powerful one which emphasizes scalability and reuse. The extensive framework rests on Adobe InDesign templates and supports documents like wirefames, components, flows, page types and library assets. Download the templates straight from their web site.

I’ll be honest however. I’m trying Unify currently at work, and I have to say that InDesign lacks proper sharable objects (or symbols) that can be easily updated. I really miss the symbols which Fireworks is equipped with that allows to edit a group of elements all in one place, and have the remaining instances auto update. Other than that, if you can get used to externalizing reusable page objects as components, then the need for this feature diminishes.

Credits: Nathan Curtis – EightShapes

Axure is quite the popular prototyping tool for which a ton of widgets and libraries have started emerging. These downloadable and reusable pattern libraries can often speed up the prototyping process. Here is a quick compilation of the latest I recently found:

1. Official Libraries & Widgets from Axure
2. Layout grids for Axure and Pencil (from Userfocus) – a 960-grid system template
3. AXLIB – a robust design library of usable interaction patterns
4. Ari’s OS X Axure RP Widget Library – a comprehensive library of OS X widgets
5. Free Axure Design Patterns (from William) – a couple popular UI patterns
6. Conetree Axure Patterns – hand gesture icons & clear input field
7. Total Wireframe – a few patterns (with a small price tag)
8. A Clean Design – Better Defaults
9. A Clean Design – Axure Design Pattern Library v2.0
10. A Clean Design – Social Widget Library for Axure
11. Konigi Icons for Axure

Did I miss anything? If so, please add to comments.

Recently, quite a few representation about human activity have been merging in with the wireframe. Similarly, here is a template which contains various possible gestures on a touchscreen. Elaine came up with interesting ways to represent: taps, double taps, drags, flicks and pinching. Unflattened PNG can be grabbed from here (Elaine says: “I’m okay with people using the images for wireframes, presentations and educational purposes, but no modifications please”).

On the same note, Dan also posted another gestural icon set over here.

Credits: Elaine Chen