A user interface (UI) specification defines how a user interacts with an application while ignoring implementation-specific details and background functions not visible to the user. It answers questions such as: “How do I find a patient record?” “How do I display search results?” “What will happen after clicking the ‘Cancel Order’ button?” It doesn’t detail, however, which protocol is used for retrieving data from a server. Simply put, a UI specification describes the where and what of an application, not the why or how.
While typical user interface specifications are in text format, this may not be the best way to document UI requirements. Nobody likes reading dry, lengthy documents with hundreds of case descriptions. An alternative that makes abstract concepts more tangible are wireframe diagrams. Wireframes use simple line drawings to depict how an application will look and work. They give all stakeholders (clients, designers, managers, developers, etc.) some building blocks to work with and thus encourage discussion and input.
The most efficient way to create a wireframe is to use a tool like PowerMockup. PowerMockup provides a rich set of UI elements that can be easily assembled to sketch a comprehensive user interface. As PowerMockup builds on Microsoft PowerPoint, it’s extremely easy to use and integrates perfectly with the Microsoft Office ecosystem. Using PowerPoint’s presentation features, it’s even possible to create interactive wireframes that can act as simple working prototypes.