Many issues can arise with clients due to poor communication. When designing a website, it can be important to share with clients different versions of specifications, some of which can be very technical. I find, however that complimenting this with wireframes often has benefits. For one thing, the client can see in a visual form what we have been working on, and they can annotate this document with their own sketches. Wireframes can also be interactive, which means the client can begin to understand the user experience better. Issues may arise, which they would not have considered before seeing a wireframe.
Not only does using wireframes put a project into a more tangible form for clients, but it can also evoke discussion in a way they may not have considered. If you are in a meeting with your stakeholders, they will be able to contribute much more to a discussion if you show them a wireframe rather than an excel table. Getting feedback early on your wireframes can be invaluable for development later on. Often problems can be resolved and collaboration can happen at a much earlier point.
I also find that for planning budgets and timeframes, wireframes can be useful. I often create alternative sets of wireframes and show the clients the difference in timing, and the difference in price. My clients can then clarify anything they did not understand and I can work on the wireframe they choose and add detail. As the project draws on, my wireframes will become more detailed and eventually turn into a coded website. For any client, it is enjoyable and rewarding to watch a project develop from a sketch to a final product.
