[Sigia-l] 'Process+Tools+Guidelines' to do the right thing!

[prai at prady.com]

I am in the middle of discussion with Engineering team at my new employer
and the issue is arround following -

1. What UI processes we follow within the frame work of RUP?
2. What tools we use to prototype/wireframing the concept? There's
aggument between majority Frontpage loyalists (Techies) Vs. Dreamweaver
supporters.
3. Should we write 'standards' first or do the 'design' first?

I am also wondering on following lines -

1. Why does 'UI design' has to follow RUP at all?
(Why going Rational way, and not following UCD's recomendations?)
I am leaning to be sympathetic about the view point expressed in the
article "UI RUPture" follow this link -
http://www.uidesign.net/2000/opinion/UIRupture.html

2. What benefit can it give to any one to limit 'Prototyping' (or the
Design) with tool?

3. Is there any survey/pool, any logic to suggest which one is
better/ethical/moral tool - 'Microsoft FrontPage' and 'Macromedia
Dreamweaver'???

Any discussion on the above points, suggestions, links, papers, etc. will
be highly appreciated. I

am facing an uphill task to build case for Usability in a startup, where
Techie's dance on RUP's tune.

Thanks in advance.

Pradyot Rai