If you already understand the vocabulary of UX design, then you probably have an idea of what a wireframe is as well as its purpose. Whether you are new or experienced in user experience, the importance of wireframes cannot be underestimated.
But the question is how do you create or develop a wireframe?
Before proceeding, it is important to understand why you need a wireframe in the first place. The first purpose of a wireframe is to act as a roadmap for your app development process. It gives you an outline of the layout and structure of the web page.
In other words, a wireframe is like a blueprint of a house that clearly describes details of how the house should look while at the same time giving builders or developers a sneak preview of the final product.
What to include and not to include in a wireframe
While creating a wireframe, it is important to keep in mind the purpose of the project and avoid deviating into irrelevant details and information. You should only include elements that will guide you into improving the product.
Sketches are commonly used when creating wireframes because they act as a skeleton version of the final product. You should try to keep it as simple as possible to avoid complexity at the initial stages of the project. The point is to minimize distractions by adding fancy and colorful things at a later stage.
It is highly recommended that you use white, gray, and black colors and a maximum of two fonts. Avoid flashy images and graphics because they can cause confusion in the web development process.
Using wireframes in your design process
Different UX designers tend to approach wireframes in different ways. Some prefer sketching manually while others use various wireframing tools. However, the type of method you choose to use depends on the purpose of the product.
You need to ask yourself several questions when deciding which method to use. What are the user goals? How will the content be organized? Where should your logo and message go?
How to make your wireframe in six steps:
1. Conduct your research: Remember that UX design is an ongoing process and wireframes are just part of the initial stages. Before moving to the next two stages, you need to carry out some research to establish the existing styles and how they work.
2. Have your research prepared for quick reference: This will keep you organized throughout the process.
3. Have your user flow mapped out: If you don’t understand how many screens your wireframe is going to have, then there’s going to be a lot of confusion.
4. Draft but don’t sketch, sketch but don’t illustrate
5. Include more details and do proper testing: The only way you will know that all is well with your wireframe is through testing
6. Start converting wireframes into prototypes: As soon as you have finished your wireframe and received appropriate feedback from users and stakeholders, start developing high-fidelity prototypes.
Bottom line
A wireframing tool plays a big role in the design process. Your wireframing process should always be guided by the purpose of the product.