Why Wireframing is a Critical Step
It is a very common and fundamental mistake made by many web developers to skip the first step of wire framing when the project is small. The self deceptive excuse for such a walk over can be (1) that the project is small and can be done directly without wasting time on wireframing, (2) that the customer is a miser and will not bear the cost of wire framing and (3) that the web site development is urgent and the developers does not want to waste time on the wire frame. The self made reasons are not at all valid reasons for avoiding the wireframe stage because the time taken for making such wire frames is negligible compared to the time taken for all other aspects of the project and the cost is negligible too. Compare this with the advantages gained by resorting to wire frame. The benefits are immense in terms of time and cost and acceptability. Lots of misunderstanding at a future date can be avoided by making all the changes in the wire frame. Taking all these considerations into account, wire framing is a necessary step in all web site development jobs whether they are small or big.
Another fundamental proposition is not to do wireframe alone in secret as a lone wolf. This first and fundamental aspect of the web site development should be a combined work of all the participants. This is the starting point, and so it is best to pool all your fundamental thoughts on it and develop this wireframe jointly. This will save lot of problems later on. This should be taken as a challenge and a joint group work.
The web developer should never be afraid of starting with the wireframe presentation first. The work will not be attractive as it lacks all the visual attraction, but is the fundamental exposition of the basic idea and thought that is going to be expanded later. It is an expression of pouring your thoughts on paper.
Experts recommend that the initial wireframe is best started by a group of the web developers using pen and paper rather than going to their lap tops or computers. The reason is simple. When you start with pen and paper in a group you can pass around d the paper and everyone can make corrections and additions on the same wire map. Ultimately the first draft can be transferred to the computer for further refining. However, this recommendation has been changing recently as innovative wireframing solutions are now making real-time collaboration possible online.
Every wireframe that is drawn should be tested. This test is a simple practical test to ensure that the idea is sane and practical. Any average person can look at the wire frame and if he can understand the various propositions, then the test is positive. If the statement and presentation is vague and not easily understood then re-make the wire frame.
About the author
Dav Gra is interested in the latest trends of web design, as well as software which allows real-time collaboration for distributed teams. He enjoys using this Visio freeware as a wireframe tool to mock up websites, create flowcharts, and brainstorm with mind maps
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