As part of my visualization process, I try to produce prototypes (using various technologies) that look and behave exactly like the final business application. This eliminates confusion and gets everyone (development and the business) on the same page. However, such high visual or functional fidelity simulations are not always possible is the real-world, deadline driven, development environment. In instances when high-fidelity is not possible, alternative methods are used: such as; flat screenshots, wireframe simulations, or simply hand-drawn sketches.

I use primarily two tools for data driven prototypes: Microsoft Visual Studio (ASP.Net using C#) and iRise.