Those that already create a prototype before investing too much time in any problem already know: there are several blind spots and mistakes designers do unwillingly. And those can be avoided by testing and validating the wireframe through several phases, from drawing to high fidelity prototype.

Most of those are common, but some can be really difficult to detect without a test:

Users getting lost while navigating
You know all the content of your site. So, you’ll never get lost, and you always know where you are. You know the site by heart, since it was a wireframe. But should this section really be where you think it is? Leaving hints like breadcrumbs or having colours for different sections is important, but also is testing content categorization.

Blindspots
You think everyone will look at your red-and-yellow banner at the centre of the screen, don’t you? Sorry, they won’t. And it may also happen with other objects. Sometimes, designers and clients become so obsessed with a colour or a photograph that they’re sure everyone will pay attention, but due to several different factors, it doesn’t happen. Testing can uncover some of them.

Standards exist for a reason
It may happen that you have a great idea for a different navigation model, direction or structure. It may be a breakthrough, but also can be a big flop. There’s a reason because most sites today have two or three columns, the main one is bigger, and a big header with navigation on top: it’s become a standard, and everyone is used to look for them there. If you need to create something different, it can be great. But, please, test it until you’re sure users won’t get confused and leave your site empty.

What to do if I find a problem?
If you’re using Justinmind Prototyper, add a comment, and the Ux designers and product managers will know there are some mistakes. Correct them. Adjust. Test again. Rinse and repeat. It always works.

Keep it easy – overexplain if needed
Remember that not everyone come to your website from the homepage. With the increase of Google’s visitors, the number is always bigger. So, it’s important to explain to them what your site is about, and what to do when they get there.

Help your users. Think of them as a foreigner in your country. Although they want to be kind and start a conversation, you created the place, you know the rules and you must teach them (in a kind way, no one wants to be bossed around) how to behave in your website.