Design

Avoid Unnecessary Changes with Low-Fidelity Wireframes

Ed Valdez
July 15, 2022
4 min read

Clients can be quite unpredictable, often requesting changes that deviate from the original vision.

As a designer, it's something we're accustomed to. It seems like there's always something they want to tweak or enhance, whether it's the color scheme or certain features that distract from the main message. Dealing with demanding clients can be frustrating, but it's important not to let it get to you. Stay composed and focused on preserving the project's original vision. Even if the final design doesn't align perfectly with their initial desires, as long as you carefully listen to their feedback and stay true to your artistic vision, you'll ultimately deliver results that leave them satisfied. Remember, clients may be capricious, but with patience and dedication, you'll always come out on top.

Low fidelity, low interactive wireframes help to keep clients on track

In the world of digital product design, finding the right balance between fidelity and interactivity in wireframes and prototypes is crucial. High-fidelity mockups can overwhelm clients with excessive detail, causing them to lose sight of the project's goals. Conversely, low-interactivity prototypes can be too vague to accurately convey the final product's functionality. As a UX designer, I've discovered that low-fidelity, low-interactive wireframes are the sweet spot. They provide clients with the necessary information while keeping their attention on the project's objectives. By using simple interface elements, solid layouts, and limited interactions, these wireframes effectively communicate customer needs without burdening clients with irrelevant details. This approach ensures that the end result aligns with our clients' vision while keeping them engaged and enthusiastic about their project's goals. In summary, by striking the right balance between fidelity and interactivity, we can create wireframes that enable clients to stay focused on success while we designers work our magic behind the scenes.

Mockups should be saved for after the client has approved the direction of the project

When working on a new project, it's important to make sure that the direction is approved before investing too much time and effort in the mockups. A good rule of thumb is to save mockups for after the client has given their approval or provided feedback on the overall direction of the project. This ensures that you're working on something that is aligned with their vision, rather than wasting your time designing something that might not even be used.

Of course, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't test out your ideas or do any research while getting ready to present your designs. It simply means keeping things focused and making sure that you and your client agree on the direction before spending too much time developing mockups. Ultimately, working this way can help you deliver a better final product and ensure smoother collaboration between you and your clients. So if you're looking to improve your work process, consider saving those mockups for later!

Having a strong understanding of what your client wants

When designing a website or an app, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of what your client's customers want. By taking the time to understand who these customers are, what they want their users to do, and what their ultimate goal is, you can ensure that you are delivering exactly what your clients need. Having a clear idea of the current state user journey and the desired state will allow you to identify key areas where changes are needed and can help you make informed design decisions that will save both time and money in the long run. Whether you are working with tech startups or established enterprises, having a solid understanding of who your client's customers are and what they are looking for is crucial for creating engaging and effective digital solutions.

Final thought

Clients can be a bit unpredictable, but that doesn't mean we have to be. When it comes to keeping them on track and focused on the project goals, low-fidelity wireframes are our secret weapon. Instead of jumping into detailed mockups right away, it's best to get the client's approval on the project direction first. This way, we can save time and money by having a clear understanding of what we want to build before diving into the nitty-gritty of design. By using low-fidelity wireframes, we can present a rough representation of the product without overwhelming the client with unnecessary details. It's all about striking the right balance and keeping the client engaged and excited about the project. So, let's stay flexible, adapt to the clients' needs, and deliver outstanding results while saving time and resources along the way.

Ed Valdez
A product manager on a quest to find that perfect product-market fit.