[Sigia-l] RE: Why Visio wireframes are outmoded

[Ray Sharma]

I too come from a strong coding background and agree with the general speed
that Visio can offer in delivering basic concepts up front.

However, I strongly believe we are working in an interactive environment and
wireframes often don't help the client understand the interactions that may
exist, say with expanding/collapsing navigation for example which may affect
the overall layout of your wireframe.

In the long term coding with CSS is faster at getting the point across
especially if you use a tool like Dreamweaver and its template and library
features to build up snippets of code and layouts. This is due to the
ability to apply changes across many pages in one hit.

You can then take these wireframes and build a true prototype from the same
code adding more and more detail along the way to the point you have a true
visualization of the final product allowing developers to concentrate on the
core functionality rather than the interface and layout. Obviously the
better coder you are and the closer you work with your developers the
developed CSS can be used in the final product. 

Overall the total process is very efficient, and in my case, has delivered
final products requiring very little additional work. On an individual level
it does put a little more work on my plate, but has reduced the overall time
for development. 

So in conclusion I'd say, remember you are working in an interactive medium
and wireframes created as a flat drawing can offer basic ideas and concepts,
which is a good start. Moving to a CSS takes this to the next level and
offers clients and developers a better idea of how the interface actual
works. If you are a good coder you can save on the overall time from concept
to development.

Depending on resources in your team the move from Wireframe to Prototype and
final Product may involve individuals who perform specific roles an IA, an
Interaction Designer, Designer, Developer etc. If you are lucky to have such
a set up then as an IA you may only be required to get the basic concept
across before handing it over to the interaction designer. If not you'd
better get back to work you've got a lot to do!!

Ray


-----Original Message-----
From: sigia-l-bounces at asis.org [mailto:sigia-l-bounces at asis.org] On Behalf
Of Austin Govella
Sent: 11 July 2005 16:54
To: SIGIA-L
Subject: Re: Why Visio wireframes are outmoded (Was [Sigia-l] NYU IA
classdescription link)

Coming from a coding environment, I have expert knowledge about what
can and can't be done, and what is worth doing using CSS. Even with
expert level knowledge, it is faster and easier for me to sketch
wireframes in a drawing program.