I have noticed in my experience that often the “Wireframing” stage in the design process is often overlooked by designers and developers, and I have personally been guilty of this in the past as I did not quite understand the merit of it at the time. With experience I have re-evaluated and developed my design process, and realising the best way to succeed is to plan. Wireframing is arguably one of the most important stages in the planning of any project. Wireframing allows the designers to unleash their creative thinking and allow others to visualise how the interface may not only look but also how the user can interact with it (UX), helping others to foresee any complications.

Rapid Iterations

Once you have setup a template for your wireframes, its very easy to produce quick wireframes with boxes and shaded areas to represent placement of content in the interface. With loads of iterations of wireframes it allows the designers to consider all possible ideas quickly and include it to test to see what fits the best.

Sharing is Caring

By producing wireframes, it allows others such as developers and clients become involved in the design process at a very early stage. With their involvement they can help shape the design to help suit the client, and allow the developer to see what is possible and what will not work.

It’s Cheap

It’s cheap for a lot of reasons but there are two major reasons why its cheap. All you need to produce a wireframe is a pen and sketchbook. Another reason is it can save you money in the long run. By involving it early in the planning stages of the build you will be able to save from future complications and will cost you time and money.

Focuses on Content

Wireframing takes the focus off the color and the aesthetics of the interface, and forces the designer to focus the placement of the content, and places an emphasis on what the content is as it will shape the design.

Paper Prototyping

Paper Prototyping is one of the best methods in getting feedback on usability issues and especially an opportunity to involve the user at a very early stage of the design process. Its so simple and quick to work with Paper Prototypes although they its not the same as live testing on the correct platform, but at the planning stages this method can help guide your designs.

Client Engagement

Wireframing presents the opportunity to share your ideas to the client, and for them to offer feedback and share their own ideas. This is a brilliant way to engage the client at the beginning of the process and will lead to the likelihood of the client signing off on the design.

Download iPad Wireframe Template for Illustrator