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Why we use Wireframes

As one of the primary deliverables for information architects, wireframes represent a crucial stage in the

design process. Until wireframes, the final product has not been represented in a concrete way and therefore

they tend to generate a lot of discussion. One key element of wireframes is how data and information is represented. Since the wireframe is meant to show possible layouts for the display, it necessarily includes examples of the information users might find on the pages or screens.

Typically, the sample data and information in wireframes motivates much of the discussion around these

deliverables, since stakeholders and designers are seeing the data in action and in context for the first time.

At a stage in the design process where the requirements should be final, the wireframes open up new issues and

may force the team to revisit the scope of the project.

Different representations of sample data or example information in the wireframes can influence the direction

of these discussions.

Purpose

The purpose of using wireframes is to document and concept a vision for the ” to be” as a visual narrative and abstract documentation. By exploring these different approaches, the poster will help IA’s identify their own strategies for developing their deliverables.

Contents

The poster will describe five different ways of representing data in wireframes, comparing the pros and

cons of each approach. For each approach, the poster will identify the implications for different audiences, like

visual designers, business owners, and technologists, and questions each might ask.

Examples: