Wireframing
What is it?
Wireframes are outline representations of website pages and show page layout, important page elements and information architecture. They generally do not include design or artwork.
Wireframes are used to mock-up a new website, or part of a website, to show how the pages will be structured, how the user will get from one part to another and how the interactive elements will work. They can also be used to carry out quick user tests to see how a particularly tricky part of the site will be used, for example.
UX Media provides static wireframes, using Microsoft Office Visio, and interactive wireframes using Axure Software Solutions.
How long does it take?
A complete wireframe of a medium sized website will take around 2 weeks to complete. This includes agreeing on the primary user journeys, creating the wireframes and testing them if necessary.
What are the benefits?
Wireframing provides a visual reference for design and artworking teams to use in order to ensure consistent and usable page layouts and flows.
One of the biggest benefits of wireframing is that is can be turned around quickly and elements can be changed easily if the business or user goals change.
