Not a mockup or a prototype
Wireframes are created early in the development process. User experience (UX) designers often use wireframe diagrams to demonstrate to clients, product designers, and other team members how the UI will look and work. However, product managers and other stakeholders can also use wireframes to communicate the functionality or design they are looking for—even if they don’t have as much design experience.
Use a UX wireframe to answer these questions:
- What will be displayed in the user interface?
- Where will elements be placed on the page?
- How will users interact with the page elements?
- How will the web page or application work?
Wireframe diagrams are different from other UX design tools because they do not include very much detail on purpose. A wireframe is not a mockup or a prototype. Think of a wireframe as a blueprint that shows proposed features and how a product is expected to work. Keeping it simple makes it easier to review and refine the plan as you go.
Most wireframe diagram examples include simple lines and boxes with very little color or details. These simple shapes represent UX elements such as menus, buttons, content, and navigation functions. For example, a simple rectangle with the words “Logo/Home Page” can represent where the company’s logo will be placed and that the logo will link to the website’s home page.
A mockup is more like a non-functioning model. It gives you a better idea of what the final product will look like with graphics, colors, branding, and fonts, but does not have any UI functions enabled.
A prototype is closer to a fully functional version of the final product. It can be used to demonstrate features and functionality. It can also be used for testing UX and quality control.
Reasons to use wireframe diagrams
When a web or application UX and UI are designed well, nobody really notices it. The product works, and everybody is happy. But when you deliver a poor design, the negative impacts can cause lasting harm to your brand and reputation. Creating app and website wireframes is an important step to achieve UX exceptional design.
Here are five key reasons why you should begin using wireframe diagrams:
1. Incorporate feedback and encourage collaboration early
To start any new project or product redesign, you want to get early input and feedback so you don’t end up wasting too much time and money developing in the wrong direction. A wireframe is a great way to quickly convey ideas and to get early feedback to help you design a better product.
Working with clients and other product stakeholders, you can collaborate and come to a consensus very early on in the project about what the interface should look like, how it should function, and what elements should be included.
Sharing wireframe diagrams with your client, designers, the development team, and any others involved in the product development encourages open dialogue for feedback and collaboration to ensure that everybody is on the same page.
2. Keep teams focused and on track
When all stakeholders have approved the content and functionality outlined in the wireframe, the team can move forward with confidence. As the project proceeds, the wireframe can be used as a reference to help to keep various teams on task. Making sure that the wireframes are always easily accessible keeps lines of communication open so everybody can stay focused on the project vision and scope.
