using wireframes to improve user experience

what are wireframes?

Wireframes are like an engineer’s blueprints or an architect’s drawings – they’re an in-depth plan of the layout and functionalities of a website. There are no design elements at this stage, but the entire structure of the website is laid out in detail – including all of the site pages, where each button leads, and what happens when you interact with each section/item on a page.

Wireframes enable everyone to visualise the new website. They act as a communication tool between stakeholders to ensure everyone is in agreement. It means that web design planning can be approached at a strategic level, when all the information is laid out clearly. Wireframes also speed up projects and reduce costs while improving the quality of the finish website product.

why do we use wireframes?

We create wireframes to gain a clear understanding of your users’ goals and needs, and ensure that your business proposition and key messages are communicated clearly. They help us design the ideal user experience for your site, decide on content layout, and define hierarchy levels and site functionality.

Wireframes give clarity to everyone involved in a web project, allowing us to think about and plan ahead for every scenario a user can encounter when using the site. A flawless wireframe paves the path for the entire web project and ensures a smooth transition into design and development phases.

how do wireframes improve web and mobile user experience (UX)?

Wireframes are brilliant tools for thinking about the answers to key web design questions such as:

• Structure – where are all the different elements placed, and how do they relate to each other?
• Content – what type of information is displayed on each section of the site?
• Functionality – how will the site interface work, and what will a user be able to do?
• Informational hierarchy – how is information organised, prioritised and displayed?
• Engagement – what will the user see at each stage when performing an action on the site?

Wireframes take all of the information and insights collected during UX research and implement them into an optimised website structure. They’re a valuable tool for ensuring a seamless and well-planned web design and development. Wireframes ultimately ensure that your website caters to users in the best possible way.

If you have any questions about wireframes or UX, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!