Any mobile app development project requires wireframing. Annotated wireframes are a great investment for businesses. Find out more about the advantages of annotated wireframes in mobile apps.
An app build is a series of stages for app development companies. A well-planned plan is essential for a smooth development process, especially regarding large projects. Wireframes can be a useful tool for designers and developers.
What are Wireframes?
Wireframes serve as the basis or blueprint for a website or an application. These wireframes outline the user experience by highlighting navigational elements and design features. Annotated wireframes are a way for mobile app developers to take it one step further.
What is Annotated Wireframes and How Do They Work?
Annotated wireframes provide context and clarity by adding points for comments and notes.
TillerDigital states that “Annotating wireframes can be an efficient and effective method to add context to wireframes and to clarify them.” Collaborators and stakeholders can better understand wireframes by taking notes about user flow, functionality, as well as the purpose of design elements. This clarity allows people to give constructive feedback and improve wireframes.
Who are Annotated Wireframes For?
Like many other steps in a design or development process, Annotated wireframes require an audience.
Annotated wireframes can be used for five audiences, each with a stake in the final product.
- Client’s internal or external
- Teams of developers
- Designers of visual or UX
- Content teams
- You
Annotated wireframes can be used to clarify important information for all involved.
Annotated Wireframe Example
Annotating wireframes can help users be more thoughtful.
- Calls-to-actions (CTA)
- Buttons
- Links
- Key Content
- Integrations
While it is not necessary to highlight every piece of the wireframe for your company’s app, highlighting the key elements can help to increase discussion about the app’s goals and possible improvements to the product.
Four Benefits of Annotated Wireframes in Mobile Apps
- Context of Use
- Transparency Increased for All Parties
- Organizes Content & Functionality
- Clarity
1. Display the context of the use
Annotated wireframes allow you to show and tell the entire development and design process.
Annotations give context about how something might look and work, and how users might interact. Annotated wireframes provide context beyond the typical wireframe design.
You must show how wireframes will function in dynamic settings when designing them.
Annotated wireframes should contain interactive models that explain the why and how of each feature.
- These links are necessary for what?
- If they press this button, where does the user go?
- Does it make sense to have a scrolling background?
These are just a few of the many questions that annotated wireframes can answer.
This additional context and annotated wireframes will be helpful in the later stages of your mobile application development process.
2. Transparency increases for all parties
Wireframing is an important step in the development of mobile apps.
Annotated wireframes make it easier to communicate responsibilities effectively. They outline expectations and guidelines for each team member. These annotations will allow you to provide feedback on all aspects of your wireframe.
A developer may have an idea for content if they see a note that was made for the team. It is always a good idea for a developer to see this type of information before they present it to a larger group or an external party.
The chance of error and miscommunication is reduced if all parties involved in creating the mobile app are included in every aspect of the process.
All parties must understand the reasoning behind design decisions.
- To plan their development, the developers will need to understand how the app works.
- Visual designers will need to identify the elements that are required within the app.
- Copywriters need to be able to see the content they are required to write to create any mobile app content.
- Clients will be interested in seeing that your design meets their needs and goals.
Annotated wireframes make it easier to communicate the responsibilities to all those involved in the mobile app development process. Collaboration is key.
3. Organizes Content & Functionality
It is important to stay organized as you create your annotations.
Annotations are helpful because they will help you organize the process. The process will be easier if you take detailed notes.
Your notes may vary depending on which aspect of the wireframe you are using.
You might comment on different designs and scenarios when discussing design elements. You might be more specific about functionality, such as navigation. This could include describing how the feature should move, where it should go, and any technical details.
These annotations can be used to help you understand what your app is capable of doing.
An organized process for app development will be possible by being organized in the way your annotations are placed.
4. Clarity helps
Annotated wireframes give information about different features and functionalities. They provide clarity and small notes with key details.
All elements and sections of the app must be clearly defined within an annotated wireframe. CTAs should all be labeled accurately. Links and buttons should all be explained.
Annotating wireframes can be a tedious process. However, the result will be a functional and highly functional mobile app for your company.
Popular Interface Design Tools
The right tools are essential for any app or product development project. These interface tools are popular for product design.
- Figma
- Sketch
- Adobe XD
- FlowMap
Annotated wireframes are a great way to improve your business, regardless of what tool you choose.
Annotated Wireframes are the Key to a Successful Mobile App Project
All parties find it challenging to start an app development journey. It is now time for your company to start the design process. Annotated wireframes are a great asset to any mobile app development project.
Annotated wireframes, regardless of their size, provide valuable insight through:
- Many app elements can be shown in context
- Transparency for all parties
- Organization of content and functionality in one area of the project
- Clear communication is key to avoiding miscommunications and misunderstandings during app development projects
Annotated wireframes are a great tool for helping a mobile app developer create a product that is consistent with your expectations.
