Wireframing is a crucial step in information architecture, as it helps you visualize the structure, layout, and functionality of your website or app. But how can you ensure that your wireframes are compatible with different platforms, devices, and screen sizes? In this article, you'll learn some tips and best practices for wireframing for cross-platform compatibility.
Before you start wireframing, you need to know which platforms you are designing for, and what are their specific requirements and limitations. For example, if you are creating a web app, you need to consider the browser compatibility, the screen resolution, and the input methods of your users. If you are developing a native app, you need to follow the guidelines and standards of the operating system, such as iOS or Android. Research your target platforms and users, and use tools like Google Analytics, device emulators, or user testing to understand their needs and preferences.
Responsive design is a technique that allows your website or app to adapt to different screen sizes and orientations, by using flexible grids, images, and media queries. Responsive design can help you create wireframes that are cross-platform compatible, as they can adjust to the available space and provide a consistent user experience. To use responsive design principles, you need to define the breakpoints, or the points where your layout changes based on the screen width. You also need to use relative units, such as percentages or ems, instead of absolute units, such as pixels or points, for your grid and typography. Finally, you need to test your wireframes on different devices and browsers, and make sure they are readable, usable, and accessible.
I think it is very important for every UI designer to have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS concepts, which will help them making their designs responsive.
é importante que o designer entenda de quais formas o seu projeto será visualizado. Existem pessoas que só podem usar um dispositivo celular, outros notebooks. Há realidades diferentes e precisamos estar prontos para ajustar.
One of the challenges of wireframing for cross-platform compatibility is to balance the amount and complexity of information and functionality that you provide on different platforms. You want to avoid cluttering your wireframes with too many elements, buttons, menus, or options, as they can confuse or overwhelm your users, especially on smaller screens. You also want to avoid making your wireframes too simple or minimal, as they can lack the features or content that your users expect or need, especially on larger screens. To simplify your layout and navigation, you need to prioritize the most important and relevant information and functionality for your users, and use techniques such as progressive disclosure, collapsible menus, or tabs to hide or reveal secondary or optional information and functionality.
O minimalismo é uma das formas que mais est?o projetando diversos produtos. Creio que utilizar diretrizes desse estilo pode ajudar a simplificar layouts.
Another way to ensure that your wireframes are cross-platform compatible is to use common patterns and conventions that your users are familiar with and expect from different platforms. For example, if you are designing a web app, you can use a header with a logo, a navigation bar, and a search box, as these are typical elements of a web app. If you are designing a native app, you can use a tab bar, a hamburger menu, or a back button, as these are common features of a native app. Using common patterns and conventions can help you create wireframes that are intuitive, consistent, and easy to use across different platforms.
Every device manufacturer has a set of dimension rules and it is generally common for most ones, like Samsung follows one, Apple follows one on all their devices, learning those and keeping those things in mind will help make better responsive designs.
The final tip for wireframing for cross-platform compatibility is to get feedback and iterate on your wireframes. Feedback can help you validate your assumptions, identify problems, and improve your solutions. You can get feedback from different sources, such as your stakeholders, your team, or your users. You can use different methods, such as surveys, interviews, or usability testing, to collect and analyze feedback. You can use different tools, such as wireframing software, prototyping tools, or online platforms, to share and present your wireframes. Based on the feedback, you can iterate on your wireframes, and make changes or refinements until you achieve your goals and meet your users' needs and expectations.