In a previous article, we explained what wireframes are and what you can do with them. Did you miss it? Check out the article “What Are Wireframes?” here. Wireframes are an essential component if you want to build a well-functioning and well-structured website. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the reasons why you should use wireframes.
1. Wireframes – taking stock
Do you know exactly what your new website should look like? Or do you have no idea yet? In either case, a wireframe is ideal. Using a wireframe, you can show the web designer where you want the various elements on your website to be placed. The advantage of this is that nothing is set in stone. Think of it as a brainstorming session where you take stock and where there’s still plenty of room for new ideas. Once a website is in the development phase, this becomes much more difficult.
We recommend creating a wireframe for every important page type, such as:
Wireframes for a Website
- Homepage
- Contact page
- Blog and/or news – detail page
- Blog and/or news – overview page
- Services – detail page
- Services – Overview Page
- Standard text page (for example, your content pages)
Wireframes for an online store
In addition to the wireframes listed above, a web store often includes the following selection of pages:
- Product overview page
- Product detail page
- Checkout: shopping cart steps
- Checkout: payment process steps
Tip: Create a wireframe for both desktop and mobile; there is often a significant difference in page layout.
2. Wireframes – collaboration
The major advantage of a wireframe is that you can make changes quickly. If a developer starts working on the website right away, it can take a lot of time to make adjustments later. This is time-consuming and creates unnecessary work, which does not benefit the budget.
In a wireframe, you can quickly and easily show what you want to change. With a few simple sketches, you can easily adjust the wireframe. This benefits both parties and ensures efficient collaboration.
Additionally, a wireframe is still in black and white without branding elements or colors. Our experience shows that wireframes ensure the focus remains on the correct functionality of pages without being distracted by web design details. Web design is important, but comes after the wireframe phase.
Want to learn more about web design? Read our 10 tips for web design here.
3. Wireframes – structure
Of course, you want to have a new website as soon as possible. This can be overwhelming, causing you to quickly forget everything you want on the website. A wireframe provides a clear overview. You can visualize all elements of the new website in a structured way. This also ensures that you can quickly identify potential errors. Some layouts simply don’t work for your website’s objectives. You can think of a wireframe as the blueprint for your website.
“Wireframes are the blueprint of your website and provide structure.”
4. Wireframes – feedback
You already have a clear vision of what your new website should look like, but what do others actually think of your new site? And perhaps even more importantly, what do your potential visitors think of the site? You can use wireframes to gather feedback. Show your wireframes to your clients and to people who aren’t afraid to be critical.
What do they think is missing from the website, or what bothers them about it? Perhaps a different layout? These are important aspects you need to take into account. An attractive site will draw many visitors!
5. Wireframes – accessibility
A good idea doesn’t always work. Of course, you don’t want to run into unexpected obstacles. You can test your ideas in a wireframe. It may turn out that a certain navigation structure doesn’t work very well. You can test this quickly and easily in a wireframe. In addition, you can also quickly change it back in the wireframe. This saves a lot of trouble if you only discover in the pre-live environment that certain elements aren’t working properly or are disruptive.
Want to learn more about wireframes?
Has this article convinced you, and would you also like to work with wireframes for your new custom website? Then contact Digital Wizards!
