The Wireframe

According to Wikipedia, a Web site wireframe is a basic visual guide used in Web design to suggest the layout of fundamental elements in the interface. Because of this they are often completed before any artwork is developed.

When completed correctly wireframes will provide a visual reference upon which to structure each page of a Web site. Wireframes also allow for the development of variations of a layout to maintain design consistency throughout the site. This is an important part of the initial development stage because it creates user expectations and helps to develop an awareness of and familiarity with the site.

Page Content : A Visual Representation

In a true wireframe each individual page of a Web site is detailed showing the content and information that will be displayed on each page of the Web site. This is referred to as a Page Description Diagram (PDD) The diagrams below show the initial wireframe templates for a Web site. The diagram on the left shows the home page with specific areas defined and labeled as to their purpose. The image on the right details the location of content and content areas of the inner pages of the site.

     

Once a site map is established, the PDDs are defined for each page and the content areas are filled with the pertinent information for each page. Images can be illustrated or indicated by placeholders, links can be established, and information can be assigned the proper placement based on priority (high, middle, low ). The PDD also allows us to define the goals for each page of the site and to create overviews of information linking to full detail pages.

Is All this Necessary?

In most instances Kenn Lucas will create a wireframe using the basic site map outline. There are certainly cases where it is helpful to create a full set of PDDs but it is not a necessity of the discovery process. The PDD tends to help coordinators and writers to see a visual representation of where their work will fit into a Web site. This gives them an opportunity to write more effectively for the Web by allowing them to see how to keep content brief and to the point and to incorporate the proper verbiage for inline links to other content within the Web site.

The short answer is... no, the PDD is not always necessary. But sometimes it can be a great asset. Kenn strives to prepare the right site mapping and usability study for your Web project.