Objective

To create a clear visual representation of the layout and functionality of a WordPress website before development begins.

Preparation Phase

  1. Gather Requirements
    1. Client Inputs:
      1. Business goals.
      2. Target audience.
      3. Core features and functionality (e.g., e-commerce, blog, portfolio).
      4. Design preferences and inspiration.
      5. Content structure (if available).
    2. Tools:
      1. Gather necessary tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or a simpler option like Balsamiq.
  2. Analyze Content
    1. Collect content or placeholders for:
      1. Home page.
      2. Services/products.
      3. About, Contact, and other pages.
    2. Understand WordPress theme and plugin requirements for functionality.

Planning Phase

  1. Define Key Pages
    1. Identify which pages require wireframes. Usually:
      1. Homepage.
      2. Core pages (e.g., About Us, Services, Blog).
      3. Specialized pages (e.g., Product Page, Checkout for e-commerce).
  2. Choose a Grid System
    1. Use a responsive grid layout to match WordPress’s flexibility.
      1. Standard: 12-column grid system.
      2. Aspect Ratios: Ensure compatibility with popular screen sizes (desktop, tablet, mobile).

Wireframing Process

  1. Layout Design
    1. Header:
      1. Include logo, navigation menu, and contact info (if applicable).
    2. Main Body:
      1. Define sections (e.g., hero banner, services, testimonials, CTAs).
      2. Allocate space for dynamic WordPress content like blogs or galleries.
    3. Footer:
      1. Add essential elements (e.g., copyright info, social media links, secondary navigation).
  2. Visual Hierarchy
    1. Use placeholder text and images for:
      1. Headlines (e.g., H1, H2, H3).
      2. Call-to-action buttons.
      3. Paragraphs and image blocks.
    2. Ensure accessibility features (e.g., contrast, large tap areas).
  3. Functional Annotations
    1. Add notes for developers:
      1. Interactive elements (e.g., sliders, dropdowns, or forms).
      2. Responsive behavior (e.g., stacking of elements on smaller screens).
      3. Placeholder for WordPress plugins or widgets.
  4. Create Variations
    1. Generate wireframes for:
      1. Desktop.
      2. Tablet.
      3. Mobile.

Review & Iteration

  1. Internal Review
    1. Share wireframes internally with:
      1. Designers for layout feedback.
      2. Developers for technical feasibility.
  2. Client Review
    1. Present wireframes to the client.
    2. Gather feedback and refine.

Finalization

  1. Prepare for Development
    1. Finalize wireframes and export them in the required format (e.g., PNG, PDF).
    2. Upload to a shared workspace (e.g., Google Drive, Clickup).
  2. Integration Plan
    1. List WordPress-specific design considerations:
      1. Theme compatibility.
      2. Plugin support.
      3. Dynamic content areas.

Documentation

Document the wireframing process and final design specifications:

  1. Wireframes.
  2. Functional annotations.
  3. Notes on responsive behavior.

Tools Used

  • Wireframing Tools: Uizard.
  • Collaboration Tools: ClickUp