Designers often begin the creative process with a wireframe. Wireframing is a very in-demand skill and one that deserves to be in portfolios. Read on to get an overview of wireframing and how to manage a wireframe project.
The Design Process & Wireframes
Wireframing presents a clear and simple view of an idealized product. Wireframing dispenses with branding, color and typography. The wireframe is a layout of the structure users need to interact with the final production.
To begin, you have to account for the product’s needs. Emphasize the information key to use. Your design should be solving a problem.
How to Wireframe
When we say wireframe we’re not necessarily talking about physical applications. Utilize the wireframe for anything and everything deemed vital to a project’s success. You can use a wireframe for a dropdown menu, a search bar or a subscription to a newsletter.
Wireframing entails rapid ideation. It explores multiple opportunities and directions in a transparent format. The platform concentrates on solutions and ideas without agendas.
Here are a few rules.
- Don’t use color unless it’s for a purpose.
- Be consistent with typography, delivery and spacing.
- Use actual content.
- Share ideas to ensure accurate application.
- Do not confuse prototyping and wireframing.
- Set clear expectations with the client.
- Avoid barriers to success. You can use an exceptional resource like Adobe XD but don’t let it come up with the ideas. Your ideas should be free and natural.
- Look at the work of others for points of inspiration.
Put Yourself in the User’s Shoes
You have a rough wireframe. Now pretend you’re applying the design in the real world. Become the user and test drive what you have designed. This is the core of the UX/UI experience. Your build should make life easier. It should have utility.
Fortunately, at this point, you can turn to solid resources for the wireframes construction.
Select and Simplify
When it comes to ideas, we’ll try and cram all the concepts together. We often mesh elements. It’ll become about building a single idea off of a million ones. Be selective and streamline the process.
Manage the Narrative
The designer creates the wireframe but they likely do it under a thousand eyes and opinions. The only way to get it done right is by controlling the narrative. When things get off track, bring it back around. Don’t be afraid to challenge assertions politely or to ask open-ended questions that keep things focused and positive.
Wireframing exists on planes that are non-linear. Be fearless with your designs. Trust your design intuition to return great results.
Showcase Your Wireframe Designs
A versatile online portfolio is important and wireframing needs to be a part of yours. It’s becoming one of the design market’s most sought-after skills. Upload your mockups and let potential clients see what you can do.
There are tools online, website builders specifically engineered for creating online portfolios. Select from a library of templates as well as from customizable and personalized features. You also want client proofing and smart typography.