Boxes and Arrows: Comments by Scott Newcomb

Scott Newcomb — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:52:54 GMT

I think wireframes only work when the content is well-known by the client. You’re talking about RIAs. I understand “RIA” is a broad term used very loosely by many in programming and design but when you’re talking about true clientside RIAs, user experience is everything. If the client has not had the experience, you can’t wireframe it for him.

The client will look at any wireframe and imagine html. He’ll imagine every little decision requiring a page to refresh. He’ll imagine old, serverside scripting with a little javascript sprinkled on it to make it a little more tolerable.

I’ve spent many wasted hours trying to explain clientside Actionscripting to programmers, designers, businessmen IN the internet field and THEY don’t get it until they experience it.

For RIAs you must either have previous work or a demo. The simplist/quickest RIA demo will win over the most complex, well-planned wireframe.

Scott Newcomb — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:53:13 GMT

At any point, for any reason, why spend time working with “the guided wireframe” instead of simply building whatever you need to in whatever language you use? Why create an extra step in the process? You’ll still have to go through the demo stage with the client.

Wireframes have no time advantage. Anything can be far better represented in the same amount of time with html or Flash. The wireframe isn’t necessary unless you’re trying to create work or don’t do websites.

Scott Newcomb — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:53:20 GMT

Of course if you have problems doing more than wireframes, then don’t do more. If your success rate is low with doing anything more than a sketch on papar or wireframes, then stick with wireframes.

To me, “just a sketch” of a house is in no way comparable to a simple 3D model. Also, building a simple 3D model is far superior for “arriving at a collective understanding” and is not “substantial work.”

Arriving at a better collective understing is also a no-brainger. Lines on a piece of paper, framework, sketch, whatever, can deliver only a fraction of the information as a simple demo or simple 3D model.