subject: Wire Framing is Important in the Web Design Process [print this page] A wire frame for a website is basically a line drawing of the website's layout. Using wire frames is important, because it lets you decide on a layout without having to change to the actual design, as these elements are not added until the layout is satisfactory and approved by the client. Without the design in place, it is easy to edit the potential layout of the website. It also allows a client to focus on the function of the layout without the distraction of color, flash, logos, or content.
When using a wire frame, make sure that all the basic elements are included. You will need to know where certain things will be placed, like navigation bars and buttons, a logo, the actual content or text, search boxes, and, if necessary, login areas.
A website wire frame does not have to be complicated. During a first meeting between a web designer and a client, organizational ideas can be sketched out with a pen and paper. Having a visual in the very early stages can help the client see exactly where everything will go. A wire frame can also be illustrated with computer software like Photoshop. All that is needed are lines and shapes like circles and squares. Each of the elements will need to be labeled as well so everyone will remember which design elements go where, and there won't be any confusion between parties.
All in all, using a wire frame to design a website makes it easy to adjust and fine tune design without having to re-design everything. It cuts down on time spent designing the site. Using a website wire frame helps the designer and client focus on the most important aspect of the design: organization. Once this step is complete, it is much easier to add and change color, logos, and content without compromising the complete design of the web page.
Wire framing may even be the only service provided by the web design company. If a client already has a design team onboard, a web design company can help them tweak the layout and make it easy to navigate, and then send it to the design team. On the other end of the spectrum, the web design company may continue to work with the client to design the entire website. Either way, it all starts with the simplicity of wire framing.
Wire Framing is Important in the Web Design Process
