wireframes

Wireframing is an effective way of identifying usability issues earlier in your design process. A good web designer always starts with wireframes before they create a user experience. The role of the wireframe is to start with a foundation for designers. Wireframes show stakeholders the high-level structure of your design with a layout of the content and functionality on the website. They do not look like the finished product and the design elements on the wireframe are represented by placeholders. You can create them either by sketching or using design software. Here are some steps to take for creating wireframes in the design process.

wireframes

  • Wireframes make your clients focus on what they are looking for in their desired product. It is a process to walk them through the structure of the design. The goal here is to get your client to think about the elements on the page. Your stakeholders then give their feedback at the same time in regards to navigation on the website. It will help you with designing the product that meets user expectations. 
  • Wireframes allow you to outline the functionality of the pages. It is an easier way to catch problems early on in the planning and saves time on revisions later. Devote time in thinking about the functionality of the pages e.g. designing the navigation on the website and placing a call to action. Mapping out the functionality will decrease the amount of work which often delays the design process.
  • Creating wireframes allows you to understand your client better in the long run. You will be able to interpret your stakeholder’s expectations after you spend more time with them. It will increase your productivity in the design process.
  • Wireframing is useful for gathering feedback from your client and figuring out flaws earlier in the design process. Without assessing the requirements earlier with your client might create a lot of pressure in terms of money and time during the design process.
  • Wireframes are a great way to prioritize your content on the pages. Visualizing the hierarchy of the site pages will save you a lot of time when you are filling them up with content. It will help you reach the intended goal in the design process.
  • A picture is worth a thousand words. Wireframes communicate design decisions to stakeholders. It will give them a good idea of how their product will look in the end.
  • There are several tools to design wireframes. You can design in AdobeXD,  InvisionBalsamiqSketch,  Figma, and Miro.

 

In the end, the wireframe should be a visual action plan for the layout of your site navigation. The main focus should be to present your content in a way that satisfies clients and meets user expectations during the design process. It will lead to intuitive, functional and delightful products.

 

Related Resources:

Website Wireframes Explained