The wireframe, or functional model in Australia, is the schema of a web page or an application. By its characteristics, it is a tool that brings a lot of advantages, especially when redesigning or creating a website.

The wireframe: its main features

The functional model is a diagram that shows the layout of the parts of a web page. It allows the visualization of text boxes, the location of images, videos, links, as well as different graphic elements.

In addition, to make a wireframe model, another name for the wireframe, there is very little use of images and colours (with the notable exception of different shades of grey to differentiate future coloured areas). And whether with paid software, like Axure, free, or on paper, the process remains the same.

While making this model, the end user will be at the centre of this process. In particular, guiding the user and the mobile, throughout their navigation is at the heart of the process.

//The purpose of a wireframe is to facilitate navigation and optimize the user experience.

The end user being at the centre of the project, the model will be particularly suitable if a search on the description of it has already been made. In fact, knowing who the typical user is will help to define the information to prioritize and the designs to prioritize.

Also, when creating a model, the characteristics of the wireframe can take into account the two following elements: information and navigation.

The information focuses on the layout, the structure. The navigation, meanwhile, is based on the elements allowing the user to navigate on the page, or in the application.

This model also serves as an interface between the sponsor of a service and the performers (web designers, graphic designers, etc.).

//The functional models are indeed used as a communication medium between the various parties involved.

The interest of going through a functional model

1. The first advantage to using a wireframe is to facilitate communication. As an interface between you and the web designers, this tool allows everyone to speak the same language: an unambiguous, clear and precise language. The wireframe thus facilitates teamwork.
2. The second advantage is to help the various stakeholders to better calculate the time that this project will take. And, therefore, to cost the cost. It also allows control of resources (time and money).
3. The third benefit is to bring your ideas to life. Because once formalized, your ideas will be concrete, tangible. Indeed, lying on paper, or with the help of a software, they will be more easily exploitable: and by you, and by the various teams involved in this project.

Finally, in this creative process, ergonomics is of course taken into account. In other words, the model makes it easier to design pages without neglecting the user experience, or the way users experience their navigation on your page.

To conclude, wireframes are very useful in web projects. Whether it is during the redesign of a website or its creation, this tool is powerful. In fact, they allow to put one's ideas in order, to better communicate with the stakeholders, and to facilitate the process of creation.