Without a solid framework to build on, a digital platform cannot flourish. Wireframes are designed with collaboration in mind, with the ultimate goal being to represent a project’s potential capabilities successfully. So when you’re conducting purpose-driven website development and design, a wireframe is necessary.
So, what is a wireframe diagram? Much like when an architect makes blueprints for a property or an artist that does an initial rough sketch for a design, a wireframe diagram is a conceptual layout for a user interface that keeps user experience in mind. So essentially, a wireframe is a visual representation of a user interface for an end-product. Tailored to the end-user, it is largely used to gather feedback in the early stages of design.
This is done to form the “skeleton” of a particular digital application. There are many practical applications for this, such as end-user feedback sessions, client meetings, or stakeholder update sessions. As they often work as functional prototypes, wireframe diagrams have many benefits that extend past these feedback sessions.
At the earliest stages of conception, wireframes make for quick idea generators. Their rough nature makes them easy to construct, leaving room for effective changes down the line.
Regardless of which type of wireframe is used, this process most heavily influences the design of a digital platform — everything starts with the wireframe.
These wireframes are also known as paper wireframes — dating back to the practice of building software designs in paper prototypes. Lo-Fi wireframes are the most rudimentary of the three. At the earliest stage of development, these wireframes are rough and are mainly used to present an idea, not a strict structure. These are particularly useful in-house to build momentum and create the bare necessities for creating a digital platform skeleton.
Mi-Fi wireframes are the most commonly used of the three. Although they are not fully developed, they are more fleshed out. They are instrumental in client discussions, end-user feedback sessions, and stakeholder update meetings. These wireframes contain a more accurate depiction of the direction that the given digital platform will go in. Since there is usually enough potential information shown in these wireframes to inspire confidence in all parties, this is an essential part of developing a digital platform.
Hi-Fi wireframes are much more feature-filled than the other two. In this wireframe, images, structure, and scale are presented clearly. Though they are still wireframes, the information shown provides a more accurate blueprint for the direction of the final product. Due to this, they are the most time consuming of the three.
The most effective wireframes are made through the use of helpful software. Though Sketch is the tool that most UI/UX designers would be familiar with, others include Adobe XD, Balsamiq, Axure, Craft, Figma, and Wireframe.cc. These tools are used to carry the wireframe design process of a given project to be visually represented effectively.
So, what is a wireframe and why is it useful? Well, wireframes are valuable in providing users and clients with the necessary information to generate approval for a digital platform. Designers use this feedback to guide the rest of their projects and inform the direction they will take.
At Bapple, we will work with you through multiple rounds of design until you are satisfied with the result. Our work is conducted with industry-leading research, copywriting and SEO optimisation in mind. Work with us to fast-track your ideas into a successful platform and let productive feedback guide your journey. Contact us today to learn more about this process and how Bapple can help you take your project to the next step today.
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