Why do we wireframe?
What is a wireframe?
Wireframes are essentially simple black and white layouts that outline the specific size and placement of page elements, size features, conversion areas and navigation for your website. The most important aspect of a wireframe which we tell all our clients is the fact a wireframe is not a design! A wireframe is nothing more than a blueprint.
Wireframes display a structural framework
Wireframes represent a structural framework, which is used to aid the design process. A sitemap can be a bit of an abstract, especially a large one. Integrating the sitemap to wireframe starts the first real concrete visual process for a project. Here we take all the elements required and decide where best to arrange them to accomplish the desired purpose of the website. This step is fundamental for ensuring that all parties are on the same page, essentially it is about communicating the page layout or arrangement of the website’s content to you.
Your website won’t look black and white
Some of the most commonly asked questions we get from clients are ‘will my website look like this? Where are all the pictures?’ The discovery phase of our approach is all about identifying the core components of your company and how we can project them through your website.
Wireframes allow for clarity on website features
Communicating to clients about specific website features can be complicated when you are addressing features such as “product filtering” or “light boxes”. Wireframing allows for specific project features to be communicated clearly to a client so they can grasp a concept of what they are and how they are used. Occasionally, we take out features after the wireframing process due to the fact that they don’t work with the overall goals of the site. Wireframes are a great resource for a client to have clarity about how specific website features will be executed on their website.
Wireframes push usability and functionality
Developing wireframes pushes the fundamental aspects of usability and functionality to the forefront in showcasing page layouts at their core. It outlines conversion paths, navigation journeys and ease of use. Wireframes can help eradicate flaws in your site architecture, for example, if there are elements of your page layout where ease of use is a problem.
Wireframes increase project efficiency
Wireframes save time on the entire project, everyone from our web team to our clients are all on the same page about what the website is supposed to do and how it is supposed to function. It’s not just in the initial phases where wireframes have an impact. Due to the fact that there are usually fewer design changes, the project moves into the build phase significantly quicker. As our developers are familiar with the structure of the site they are able to build the site quicker and more efficiently.
If you would like to start a website project do get in touch with us!
