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As with any industry, web design and digital marketing have their own jargon/lingo. Certain terms become considered trendy, hip, “in-the-know” etc. But for all the cool jargon, it rarely helps a client understand a complex concept.
Often, clients can feel overwhelmed by the techie terms thrown around. At IMPROZ, we think that anything that clouds communication or confuses a client is something to be avoided. (Or at the very least put into layman’s terms.)
With that in mind, we receive many questions from clients about certain terms or jargon. One of the more common questions we receive regards “wireframes.” What are they, what do they do and what is their purpose.
Usability.gov defines a wireframe as “a two-dimensional illustration of a [web] page’s interface that specifically focuses on space allocation and prioritization of content, functionalities available, and intended behaviors.”
We see wireframes created in three-dimensions, but that form is typically used for architecture or prototyping.
Wikipedia defines wireframe: “also known as a page schematic or screen blueprint is a visual guide that represents the skeletal framework of a website.”
The IMPROZ definition of a “wireframe” is short. Wireframes are a sketch (digital or by hand) a blueprint that captures the layout and design elements for a website. That is stripped down to the core. There are many levels to which wireframes begin their development, but at its heart, a wireframe is a map of how your site will look.
Using wireframes can be a great way to help you visualize your site. As we know the web is a visual platform, therefore it makes sense to create a draft/sketch so that everyone can “see” the site’s layout. Another important reason to use wireframes in website development is that it saves time.
As the carpenter’s adage goes “measure twice and cut once.” You can think of the wireframe as a similar method to ensure the look and design of the website make sense, are user-friendly and further whatever goals your organization has defined for the site. But there are some other methods to help guide your site’s development.
Here at IMPROZ, we start each project listening very carefully to a client. We do our research on their business, industry, and trends impacting their mission. We firmly believe “starting with the end in mind” yields the best results for our clients.
Once those pieces are connected, we often go to wireframing. But in some instances, we start with the top-level menu and work our way through the content topics and finalize the menu. This is useful where clients want simplicity – they have an existing site that they want to be updated or have done some “legwork” on before coming to us.
In our next installment, we dig deeper into wireframes, their elements, fidelity and more.
We love to continue the conversation and get feedback so don’t be shy. Post your questions or contact us to learn even more about building a website that grows your business. Are you looking for Top Houston Web Design Agencies? Follow that link and you will see we are one of the best!
