photo credit: Mike Rohde

Wireframing is an important part of website design. It is the process of creating the structure of the website in pencil or pen and on paper. Although there are now many new electronic wireframing tools most designers still use pencil and paper. I am a paper user.

The reason for wireframing is so that in a very basic way you can get your concept from your head to your paper. This allows for many details to be left out but the basic user interface to be thought out. Another important reason for wireframing is so that content can be planned. Without an early wireframe the design process takes much longer because you are constantly waiting on filling the design with content. Wireframing gives you an early heads up on what content is needed.

• Allows  a clear picture of what will be needed on each page before design begins
• Focuses on what each page’s purpose is
• Stops finicky clients from continuously changing their minds. A good wireframe tells them what the site will do early on.
• Education of the client on how the website will work from the very beginning.
• Design elements become real and interaction by visitors can be simulated
• Allows you to remove any clutter that may be added to to the site that may be unnecessary and detrimental to the site goal.
• Quickens the planning process and clearly shows the client what you are talking about.
• Reduces the chance of scope creep (client wants more and more features).

Here are some great resources for wireframing:

Ultimate Guide To Wireframing by SixRevisions

18 Examples of Great Wireframes by Web Design Ledger

10 Free Wireframing Tools for Web Designers by Mashable

One Response to “Why Wireframing Matters”

1. 

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   Reply

   February 17, 2011 at 7:16 am

   Nice article it will help me to create my new web project. Thanks!