Get Into the Right Frame of Mind – Start with a Wireframe

In an earlier blog post we introduced wireframes, a term you’re likely to find in any website proposal when shopping for a new site. But even being familiar with the concept, some people may still be skeptical of the exact benefits. An extra step means more time and money, right? Actually, no it does not. We find investing in the wireframe stage can be instrumental to the overall quality of the final website, plus it saves time and money along the way.

Still not sure wireframing will be worth the effort? Let us convince you.

1. Your wireframe is your road map. We all know communication is essential to the success of any project. In website development, wireframes can become an effective communication tool between all the different members of the team. Because all of the elements, functions and goals of a page are clearly documented in a wireframe, questions are easily answered saving time and frustration while allowing designers and developers to concentrate on exact tasks.

2. Wireframes are quick and cheap. Because low-fidelity wireframes are fast to churn out, iterations can be produced (or tossed) quickly for low expense. Having the ability to quickly make changes and adaptations is important in the early stages of a website. Putting ideas on paper quickly allows for more discussion and feedback well before reaching the more expensive design and development phase.

3. Wireframes result in a better user experience. Because the main goal of wireframing is to work out the flow and functionality of a website; a better UX is a natural benefit. The simplistic style of a wireframe makes sure clients don’t get sidetracked with design details too early. Architecture, flow, and specific goals of a page are the focus when design details aren’t being scrutinized, allowing discussion to focus on identifying pitfalls before they get to development.

4. Wireframes are your mobile snapshot. Variations of a wireframe can be easily produced to represent multiple screen sizes making sure mobile customer experience is a consideration in the site planning early on.

5. Wireframes establish a plan for scalability. The wireframe stage is an ideal time to discuss the future of your website. Will you be adding ecommerce? Doubling the number of products over time? Knowing the future for a site can allow developers to make decisions in their processes now that ensures ease of updates and allows for new content down the road.

6. Wireframes save time (which saves money!) This is the one that gets the most attention from the person writing the checks. By providing finalized, approved, and clearly documented wireframes, web site designers and developers can use their time efficiently and minimize the need for costly revisions later. Designers can more easily turn wireframe layouts into full designs when they have a clear map of the elements to be included on each page. Developers appreciate having a detailed plan upfront that conveys exact requirements before they begin work.

Interested in details on how including wireframes in your website redesign can directly affect your website goals? Contact the Upright Communications team today for a FREE website review.