What are wireframes (also called mock ups, Page Architecture, Low Fidelity Mock-Up, Page Schematic)
Web site wireframes are blue prints that define a Web site's content and functionality.
They needed for both client and web design company in order to understand how the website will function and what is actual scope of the work.
While they do not include design elements such as colors, graphics, or fonts they will influence how the website will look.
How are wireframes used ?
Wireframes are used for web design as a roadmap of the project. They include each page and each functional element on this page.
The resulting web site itself is a visual object, consisting of pages, messages, buttons, lists etc - and wireframes are most approximate presentation of this result.
Web site wireframes are useful for conveying general page structure and content requirements for individual Web pages. Typically wireframes are developed by information architect or project manager.
Why written description doesn't work?
Complex custom websites with unqiue processes usually couldn't not be described in writing. Even if they are described this way, hundreds of pages should be thoroughly checked in order to make sure nothing forgotten. In most cases resulting description is a very difficult reading for both client and web design company. It cannot be used for comparing quotes from different companies as well, because of the terminology difference.
The project creep and change requirements.
It is not a secret that many web projects fail to deliver what they are expected to. In complex web applications risk of the delay or being out of budget is very high. Reports say that more then 30% of all web design project are out of the scope. Wireframes minimize and eliminate this risk
because they create a visual, not-disputable agreement between customer and web developer before the actual production work begun.
Creative thinking in the beginning
In many situations clients want to make changes in the page layout or site functionality on the late stage. It usually happens because some complicated functionality wasn't thought enough in the beginning of the project, because of high level of abstraction and imagination that had to be present while thinking in depth about internal pages. The changes in the end of the project are most expensive ones, and programmers can end up making endless changes and tweaks to their code only increasing the frustration on both sides. Wireframes solve this problem enabling creative thinking on very early level of the project. It is much easier to discuss and change pictures than programming code.
The discussions between a client and a web design company which take place during creating the wireframes is most useful and enjoyable experience for both sides. Unfortunately sometimes the desire of both, client and web design company, to start immediately and save on wireframes cost leads to problems on later stages of the developement.
The web application project typically consists from multiple sessions with client and hundreds or thousand letters exchanged. The presence of visual materials can bring great effect on speed and quality of communication. Wireframes typically used together with site maps.
Cost of wireframes
Cost of wireframes varies depending on the size of the project, it's complexity, scope and technologies available. In many cases it can be up to 30% of the whole project cost - but normally it is 10-20%. This money is not wasted in any case, because a web design company includes the communication time and risks in the project cost and a project priced without wireframes costs at the end significantly more for the customer.
Using wireframes during development
Wireframes simplify communication between web design company and a client. During development phase wireframes are major factor of success for the team saving designers and programmers from costly mistakes. Normally wireframes are gradually substituted by programmed pages of the real website.
We can do it for you
Binamica has vast experience in creating wireframes, requests for proposal and descriptive documentation for projects of any size. If you would like to inquire about our possible engagement in creating wireframes for your project, please fill a form on the right or call 972-52-3804890 (Michael)
NOTE: Wireframes works and technology consulting are priced by hour, in 30 min increments. $75 / hour, minimum order 10 hours.
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