Game/Software design tools? - Developers

Does anyone know of any good tools/programs for designing software and games. By design I do [b]not[/b] been 'game makers', but rather programs for putting ideas down on the screen. I've used UML software before but I found it too restricted, what I have in mind is the ability to show program flow, but also being able to sketch diagrams and pictures, with option to flesh out the flow later on with class diagrams. Any recommendations?

Pencil and paper?

Paint?

I usually have a block of post-it notes on my desk, so when I get an idea I write it down and stick it on my wall. Ends up looking like an evil master plan

I usually use pen and paper, but that just ends up taking entire notebooks

Whiteboard.

I used Word 07 I think. Although that's only for formal plans. For general ideas I just use a text document/notepad.

Pencil and a piece of paper

Blackboard. Don't forget to write shit that don't mean a thing,

[QUOTE=Xerios3;23883915]I usually have a block of post-it notes on my desk, so when I get an idea I write it down and stick it on my wall. Ends up looking like an evil master plan[/QUOTE] Careful, you may turn into that guy from A Beautiful Mind, and think communists are after you. Personally, I splurged :20bux: on a whiteboard for quick writing, and use a notebook for anything worth keeping.

Whiteboard too. I think putting stuff like this on your computer is a bad idea because it is easily ignored.

I should buy a whiteboard. It'll make me look cool and indie.

Evernote can be used as such it feels a bit more free then word

Excel

I have these small paper squares and a cork board I made. Basically, when you get an idea write it down, you're halfway there. If you want a quick and cheap cork board just use a rectangular piece of cardboard.

Whiteboard is a good idea, gonna have a look and see if I can get a cheapish one now. Thanks for the suggestions!

Costco does whiteboards quite cheap. Otherwise, cardboard is easy to get hold of. Or, if you want something you can erase, and re-write: [url]http://www.instructables.com/id/30-Second-Whiteboard/?ALLSTEPS[/url]

[QUOTE=Chandler;23939276]Careful, you may turn into that guy from A Beautiful Mind, and think communists are after you. Personally, I splurged :20bux: on a whiteboard for quick writing, and use a notebook for anything worth keeping.[/QUOTE] I splurged $5 and got an 8'x5' whiteboard. Doesn't erase well though :smith:

I'm just gonna have a sticky-wall. It'll look so much cooler than a whiteboard.

I have a sticky wall.

[QUOTE=Agent766;23941632]I splurged $5 and got an 8'x5' whiteboard. Doesn't erase well though :smith:[/QUOTE] Use a cleaning solution like windex? :X

Get one of those clear boards that NASA and all the smart companies have. They look awesome and it makes you look even smarter. Not to mention they look awesome.

Pen And Paper + Paint + Word Processor + Sticky Notes = What i use to plan out my games.

[QUOTE=darkrei9n;23942167]Get one of those clear boards that NASA and all the smart companies have. They look awesome and it makes you look even smarter. Not to mention they look awesome.[/QUOTE] I just read like half your message and stared at your avatar for quite some time, it was awesome. Um yeah, there's an Instructable on how to make one of those clear board things.

Just ordered a 60cmx90cm magnetic whiteboard for £20 :)

[QUOTE=Loli;23949855]I just read like half your message and stared at your avatar for quite some time, it was awesome. Um yeah, there's an Instructable on how to make one of those clear board things.[/QUOTE] A piece of glass maybe?

Paper+Pen+Visio+OneNote

I generally just use a pen and something nearby. But I usually remember most of the programing I need done.

Permanent marker + Hand + don't shower until game is done that way your mom wont let you go out until you shower and gives an incentive to work towards

[QUOTE=toaster468;23999503]Permanent marker + Hand + don't shower until game is done that way your mom wont let you go out until you shower and gives an incentive to work towards[/QUOTE] That's disgusting.