Wireframing is arguably one of the first and most important steps when it comes to any design process. It is that stage where your idea begins to make sense and take the desired direction.
Although wireframing normally appears simple, the way it is done will determine the quality of the final product.
What Is a Wireframe?
A wireframe can be described as a simple skeleton of your product or work. A wireframe doesn’t use actual user interface elements but instead uses placeholders. In other words, wireframes are usually used in the initial design stages to validate information architecture as wells as any user flows.
Why Is Wireframing Important?
As mentioned earlier, wireframing plays a crucial role in the product design process. This is because it is the one that determines how a website or an app will function or appear.
Wireframing is important because it ensures that all the people involved in the project read from the same script. A wireframe software can also be used as a reference document for developers working on a website or app.
Here are 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Wireframing
Do’s of wireframing
1. Do your research
In order to create good wireframes, the best thing to do is to do proper research on what is more important to users. There are two factors that you should consider; personal goals and business goals. Doing research will help you come up with clear expectations from wireframing.
2. Show a variety of ideas
When performing a wireframe, try to focus on creating as many ideas as possible. Having more design ideas on the table will make it easy for you to end up with a perfect solution.
3. Create simple wireframes
The major advantage of wireframing is speed and simplicity. They can’t be compared with other design artifacts that are often complex and slower. There’s nothing more important in an app or web development than speed.
4. Collaborate
Don’t wire alone. The probability of creating a perfect solution is high when several people come together to brainstorm.
5. Make sure the wireframes can be followed easily
Wireframes should be treated as tools of communication. That means they should make it easy for people to interpret your ideas.
Don’ts
1. Avoid skipping parts of your app
It is always tempting to evade making wireframes for certain parts of your app. Most developers are used to doing this because they seem to view some parts as more important than others.
2. Don’t use colors
You must have wondered why wireframes are usually created in grayscale. This is because grayscale prevents color distractions.
3. Avoid starting with digital tools
It may seem a good idea to pick your favorite design tool when you are getting started with wireframing. However, it is highly recommended to start with a paper before switching to any digital tool.
4. Don’t get too attached
You should be ready to throw away your wires as soon as you are done with them.
5. Don’t try to beautify your wires
Don’t put too much emphasis on how your wires look like.
Bottom line
Wireframing is a vital skill for all UX designers. It is important to keep learning and improving your skills every day.
