Universal Principles of UX

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Don’t just illustrate, annotate.

Annotations are written explanations accompanying a wireframe that describe how dynamic elements in an interface are supposed to function. For example, “On click, the dynamic menu panel opens” or “On tap, the user is taken to the corresponding detail page.” Each annotation is paired with a numbered label on the design itself so anyone viewing the wireframes can easily cross-reference each design element.

Who is anyone? Well, quite a few people, actually. Developers will read the annotations to plan their workflow and understand how to build what. UI designers will use the wireframes to create production-ready designs. Collaborators, like motion designers, copywriters, or illustrators read the annotations to ...