There are many challenges to website design and communicating with clients is one barrier that designers must overcome. Using wireframes in a project is beneficial in many respects, whether the aim of the designer is to show the user experience process or the basic graphical user interface he envisions. For designers, it is vital that they educate clients on what they should interpret from wireframes so that they can give the most constructive feedback possible. In order to do this it is important to view wireframes from the client’s perspective where possible.
Why use Wireframes?
If your client is not used to working from wireframes, you should consider whether this is the right medium to use. In the right situation, however wireframes can be used as visual aids that can help clients to give valuable feedback. It is important that clients are told what they should focus on. For example if you have created a wireframe using color, but the color is not relevant at this stage of design, make it clear that this will be changed later. It could also be that you decide to use dummy text and images that are important only for showing the layout. You also do not want the client to focus on this type of content. On the other hand if a wireframe is too bare, it can be difficult for a client to visualize how the final application will look later.
Involving the client
Always remember what your client’s goals are for any meeting and consider whether they have had experience with wireframes or web design in the past. You can also try explaining to the client that there are different options for demonstrating user experience design and that this must not only be limited to wireframes. In my experience clear communication with the help of images and sketches works best.
