a blog on prototyping by pidoco°

We often get asked about recommendations for good wireframing articles and blogs. The following are some of our favorite resources that demonstrate clearly the function of wireframing and best practices. Please comment below with any of your recommendations!

Design Better and Faster with Rapid Prototyping – Smashing Magazine

Rapid prototyping is a process where designs are drafted, reviewed and refined. This article gives you an insight into how prototyping can make your work become more agile and how prototypes can give stakeholders a tangible product that they can interact with. Smashing Magazine is also a great resource on UX and design matters.

Why it’s Important to Sketch before you Wireframe – UX Movement

Designing a website or application can often be a long and complex process. This article focuses on how sketching out design concepts is a process of discovery and trial and error. Once the concept is clear, you can use a tool like Pidoco to refine your concept, add interactions and create concrete specifications.

Tips on Prototyping for Usability Testing – UX Matters

Contrary to belief, even wireframes and prototypes can be used in usability testing. The benefit of getting user feedback at the beginning of the design process is that this can often save companies time and money in the long run. This article looks at the best methodologies for testing your prototypes with end users for getting valuable and reliable results.

Wireframing for SEO – SEOmoz

SEO can often be an afterthought in web design, but it is a crucial aspect that can determine how much traffic will be brought to your website. The SEOmoz blog should help you to plan the structure of your site with SEO in mind. SEO is definitely an area where you should get input from your online marketing team as early on as possible to ensure the structure of your wireframes fits with their requirements.

From Wireframes to Code – UX Matters

If you have ever thought about how to cut development time in your projects, this article is for you. Some people believe that it’s best to begin using code as early as possible to save time later on. Others see the wireframing phase as an important time to try out new ideas without focusing on the technical implementation. This two-part article summarizes which approach is best for different types of projects.

Sketches and Wireframes and Prototypes! Oh my! Creating Your Own Magical Wizard Experience – UX Matters

Just as the Wizard of Oz shows us we each have our own definitions of a heart, a brain and courage, many UX designers have varying definitions of what a sketch, a wireframe and a prototype are. This article looks at the functions of each of these design forms, and how they are suited to different review processes. Remember that sketches, wireframes and prototypes should be used as vehicles for creating a better user experience and this should be your aim throughout your projects.

Shades of Grey: Wireframes as a Thinking Device – UX Magazine

Do you see wireframes as a product or a process? This article will help you to reassess the goals you would like to achieve from wireframing. The author sees wireframes as a process, which is used to generate different design alternatives and to create a user experience based on context.

Better Perspective in Wireframing – The Pro Designer

Creating wireframes without a strategy or roadmap should be avoided. This article will show you what you need to consider, from setting an objective and deadline to ensuring you focus on functionality rather than graphic design. This is a great checklist for anyone beginning a project where they will be using wireframes.

I ♥ wireframes – wireframes.tumblr

This is a gallery with images of sketches and computer-generated wireframes. Perfect for getting inspiration for your wireframes.

Pidoco UX Dictionary Pidoco

Our very own resource with an overview of UX terms you should know – from Storyboard to Focus Group. Perfect for those new to UX, or those who would like to refresh their memories.

Please let us know if we have missed any of your favorite articles from this list. Comment below, or email us at support@pidoco.com if you would like us to give you recommended resources on a particular topic on wireframing. We look forward to reading your suggestions!