A wireframe is essentially a blueprint of a website that is used to create an enhanced user experience. Web designers use this process to facilitate superior virtual interactions and boost customer relations during the UX design stage for companies. Without a solid wireframe, the whole structure and integrity are put at risk and if you’ve ever visited a convoluted, messy website, you will know exactly how damaging that really is. Here’s the 101 on wireframing for beginners.
What Does a Wireframe Need?
What a wireframe needs will depend on the type that’s being manifested. There should be at least a header that is at the top of the page, or floating, which has the navigation information and brand image. A footer is also important as this is where any copyright details go, and a sitemap-style navigation list as well. In the middle, typically, is the main content for the page so this needs to be mapped out as well.
What Are the Basic Facts?
Here are the top takeaways you need to know before you get started. Wireframing is a complex process that requires skill and commitment. Read the following to prepare your mind for what’s to come.
- Wireframing is the start of the website creation journey.
- UX designers use a wireframing tool to manifest a skeleton of what the site will look like.
- Things like structure, aesthetics, and layout are all key considerations.
- It consists of lines and boxes that represent where things will go on the core pages.
Understanding the Types
This point discusses the three categories of wireframes.
Low-Fidelity
Low-fidelity wireframes are the most straightforward, least detailed mockup of a site. They have simple shapes showing where the content will go and a few words too.
Mid-Fidelity
Mid-fidelity wireframes have more detail than lo-fi ones, potentially adding images and a bit of text to the makeup. This is a place to see how a site will look with real content in the picture and is typically carried out with wireframing tool software.
High-Fidelity
Here, there will be lots of details including brand logos, fonts, and design consistencies. There will also be pieces of content for the main pages, and user interface features like buttons and menus.
Transforming a Wireframe into a Prototype
A wireframe is a necessity, but it often leads to a prototype completion. A prototype will take a high-fidelity wireframe one step into the next arena. There will be obligatory website features like authentic navigation links to pull a site together, and real content updates. Every image, box, and font will be true to the brand and there should be a complete expectation of functionality. This is used to test user response and feedback for the overall virtual experience and provides invaluable insight for when the site is due to actually go live. This is how designers and businesses work together to iron out the creases and respond to common complaints from customers.
Wireframing is the first stage of creating a successful prototype. Get to know the basics and understand how it all intertwines to realize your goals.