Wireframe is a visual guide to the framework of your site and how it will be navigated to the multiple pages. One of the biggest mistake in the failure of any development project is improper planning that doesn’t have any wireframes or prototypes of the system. An experienced developer can start coding directly without wireframes by picturing the broad or big picture of the system but it will end with so many changes that will cost additional time and money to the company.
Wireframing is the most essential and primary step in project planning. This is a phase where the idea starts to taking form as an application, displaying boxes and buttons that users will interact with and lets errors to be identified and addressed as early in the design process as possible this will save your time and money.
1. Be Clear About Your Goal
Making changes to the paper designed layout of designs & functionality is easy task compare to after writing a thousand lines of code really sucks, before starting the coding the team should be clear with an objective of what they are building and how much value it will add to the system. a wireframe will help you in identifying many of the issues in a way that is time and cost effective. The process also assists to create a greater understanding of the application. Initial drawings on paper will raise questions, new ideas that lead to changes.
The concluding outcome will be a blueprint from which designers, developers, architects and project managers will work and makes sure everyone is on the same page.
2. Present Functionality, Not a design
There are multiple tools available on the market to produce and present the wireframes in different variations. Basically, it is about the operative parts of an application or page, e.g. a page will have 2 text boxes and 5 buttons. It’s all about function not form.
3. Draw on Your Experience
You do not need advanced or deep skills in design or development draw good wireframes, all you need is, experience in using web apps or websites. One thing must be clear, selecting functions or buttons for specific variable really matters, once you become experienced, you don’t need to think about database relations.
4. Define authority & Target Date
Make sure someone holds the wireframe process. They are accountable for having it up to date and maintaining feedback, adjustments etc. In the startup companies, the founders often responsible for this cause they’re the ones with the idea and vision who understand the end goal. In the case of some clients, company personnel will take care of it. The wireframing process should have a predefined period of time and deadlines. Initial wireframing will take 2 or 3 days depends on the complexity of the application. And review meetings can be managed remotely through online.
5. Associate with everyone
Involving key stakeholders will make the wireframing process quick, cause they’re the one who had an idea about the whole system. The wireframe development involves other members of your team and your client’s team. The clear understanding of user experience will avoid potential problems in the flow in the early stages.
6. Think like a user
Considering the user experience is another important objective like including the key stakeholders. A wireframe with great functionality without considering user experience is worthless. Users already left their basic details on various sites, so creating 2-3 registration pages will not make any sense and people won’t feel much interest to fill all the details. And don’t be lazy to ignore the small wireframes like login, forgot password. Because they are also important.
7. Arrange Your Wireframe into Sections
If a website or app is complex then split into different sections as per major functionality, products, and user account. all at one place will make it difficult for reference, separation of your wireframe document as per major functions of the system will make much easier for reference.
8. Pick the Right Tools
When it comes to drawing tools for wireframes, you will be confused with choices that are available on the market. The best way is Pen and paper. It is much simpler and quicker than using a computer and let’s note your thoughts and ideas down as the concept emerges. Always a pick a tool that you’re much comfortable with it.
9. Consider Dependencies
Every system has some dependencies that may influence other parts of the work. Research the areas where there will be dependencies and do changes accordingly. It’s easier to do its initial phases than later.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the article has presented a clear sense of the wireframing process, who’s involved, how to approach it, the tools to use and what the final output should be. The most essential thing to remember is that a careful and well-drawn wireframe can preserve you plenty of time later in bargaining with issues later on down the line.
