Quarto and Wireframing

Janyl Jumadinova

January 24, 2025

Introduction to Quarto for Websites

What is Quarto?

  • Quarto is an open-source scientific and technical publishing system.
  • It allows you to create dynamic documents, presentations, and websites.
  • Supports multiple formats including HTML, PDF, and more.

Why Use Quarto for Websites?

  • Flexibility: Write content in Markdown, Jupyter, or R Markdown.
  • Customization: Easily customize the appearance with themes and CSS.
  • Integration: Integrates with various tools and languages like Python, R, and Julia.

Features for Websites with Quarto

  • Responsive Design: Automatically adjusts to different screen sizes.
  • Interactive Elements: Add interactive plots, tables, and more.
  • Code Execution: Embed and execute code from multiple languages.
  • Version Control: Easily track changes with Git integration.

Getting Started with Quarto

What is Wireframing?

A wireframe is a visual blueprint of a web page’s structure.

  • Focuses on layout and functionality, not aesthetics.
  • Acts as a guide for design and development.

Think of it as the skeleton of your website.

Why is Wireframing Important?

Benefits of Wireframing:

  • Clarifies project scope and requirements.
  • Provides a foundation for collaboration between designers and developers.
  • Identifies potential usability issues early.
  • Saves time by reducing revisions during later stages.

Wireframe Fidelity Levels

Low-Fidelity Wireframes:

  • Simplistic sketches focusing on structure.
  • Often hand-drawn or created with basic shapes.

High-Fidelity Wireframes:

  • More detailed and precise.
  • Includes placeholder text, images, and components.

Key Components of a Wireframe

Common Elements:

  • Headers and Footers: Define global navigation and site structure.
  • Content Areas: Indicate where text, images, or videos will be placed.
  • Navigation Menus: Show how users will navigate the site.
  • Call-to-Action (CTA): Highlight key actions for users (e.g., “Sign Up”).
  • Placeholders: Represent images, videos, or other media.

Wireframing Best Practices

Tips for Effective Wireframes:

  • Keep it simple and focus on functionality.
  • Use consistent symbols for components.
  • Label key elements clearly.
  • Get feedback early and often.

Introduction to Figma for Wireframing

Figma is a cloud-based design tool used for creating wireframes, prototypes, and UI designs.

Why Figma?

  • Collaborative: Work in real-time with teammates.
  • Accessible: Runs in your browser; no installation required.
  • Versatile: Offers tools for both low- and high-fidelity wireframes.

Figma Features for Wireframing

  • Drag-and-drop components.
  • Templates and pre-made UI kits.
  • Tools for adding annotations and comments.
  • Ability to share wireframes for feedback.

Figma for Wireframing

Example Kit