Definition and advantages

When developing software or websites, we are always faced with the question of what is to be presented, how and where. What information is conveyed, what is the structure of the presentation and how should a user navigate through the product? All this can be defined with the help of a schematic design (wireframes). The process of creating a wireframe is called wireframing. Wireframing, then, is about designing a framework that visualizes the information architecture, navigation, and structure.

Teamwork and common goals

In addition to visualization, the use of wireframes creates other advantages. For example, clarity about the concept and structure of an application emerges throughout the team. All project participants – such as stakeholders, users, developers and product owners – can be easily integrated into the product design process. This supports collaboration and lets everyone involved share a clear goal.

Flexibility

Since visual design is not a factor in the creation of wireframes, they can be implemented with little effort. This makes iteration possible in a short period of time and with little use of resources. This is a key reason for creating wireframes. It allows us to take user feedback into account at an early stage, as well as find and solve problems before investing time in UI design and development.

Types of wireframes

Low-fidelity wireframes

Low-fidelity wireframes are understood to be simple designs, i.e. drawings with pen on paper. However, due to the low level of detail, project participants should have a lot of abstraction skills.

High-fidelity wireframes

High-fidelity wireframes represent a mature, visually and technically detailed design that makes the elements, content behavior and possible actions easily recognizable. Individual elements can be differentiated much better in this wireframe variant, but at the same time the creation of such wireframes is more complex. The focus here is on a better understanding of the planned operating concept.

In order to properly utilize the benefits of wireframes, the following must be taken into account for visual elements:

• Wireframes are kept typographically and visually neutral to avoid distracting the viewer from the purely functional character.

• Photos, illustrations or graphics are symbolized by placeholders as long as they do not reflect any technical content.

Tools

Wireframes can be created with different tools. The important thing is that a fast way of working is supported. For professionals who are very familiar with design programs, it is worthwhile to create wireframes in e.g. Sketch, Figma or Adobe XD. Tools like Omnigraffie, Balsamiq or Marvel are easier to use. And sometimes a hand-drawn scribble will suffice.

Wireframes serve as a bridge between ideation, user-centered evaluation and implementation. During wireframing, developers can already start thinking about the implementation, while detailed user interfaces can be designed in parallel. Product owners have the first results in hand and can evaluate them with other project participants.