Wireframe: Definition, Types, Examples & How to Create One

Web designing process typically requires complex and time-consuming techniques; therefore, wireframes serve as a solution. 

A wireframe is a basic design framework that can streamline your process of creating a website. It not only expedites the design process but also provides a solid foundation for website development. 

By simplifying the main elements and page structure, this tool enables designers to focus on layout arrangements without needing to consider visual details initially.

Find out more about what is a wireframe, its types, examples, and how to make a website wireframe in the following guide.

What Is a Wireframe?

Individuals or teams directly involved in the product creation process, including web designers, web developers, or product managers, all undoubtedly require wireframes.

So, what is a wireframe?

It is a basic design framework consisting of simple shapes and lines to illustrate the arrangement of elements in the user interface. 

In other words, it is a representation of a design framework used to plan layouts and functions without adding details such as graphic or visual elements.

This tool can help developer teams understand the direction of the design that will be implemented. 

Furthermore, web designers can also evaluate and optimize the position or layout of elements before entering more detailed graphic design stages with this tool.

Why Is Wireframing Needed?

Wireframing activities are typically carried out by UI/UX Designers. The existence of this tool is highly beneficial for several reasons, such as::

• Simplifying the website design process.
• Improving efficiency and effectiveness in team collaboration.
• Facilitating the identification of layout errors in website elements.
• Serving as a framework to help clients understand the website design concept.
• Enabling teams to focus on developing functionality first.
• Facilitating the flow of interaction testing and feedback in the early stages of development.
• Enhancing user experience by focusing on website functionality and navigation.

Differences Between Wireframe, Mockup, and Prototype

In the designing stage of a project, there are several terms commonly used. Unfortunately, some people still do not understand the difference between wireframe and mockup.

Although they are often used interchangeably, they have fundamental differences. The differences between them can be seen through their main functions.

If viewed from their definitions, a wireframe is a framework or blueprint used to design the arrangement, navigation structure, and layout of a website.

On the other hand, a mockup is a more comprehensive visual representation that includes aesthetic elements.

Meanwhile, a prototype is a structure or concept that can be previewed, clicked and receives responses or commands from the user.

Refer to the following table to learn more detailed differences between mockups, wireframes, and prototypes:

Wireframe Elements

If you already understand what is a wireframe, make sure to know the elements within this framework as well. In general, three main elements must be present, including:

1. Interface Design

The interface design is one of the essential elements. This element will determine how well users can interact with your platform.

It generally includes the arrangement of visual elements such as icons, images, videos, buttons (action buttons), and various aspects such as the type, color, and font size that will be used on the website.

Most importantly, the arrangement of the interface design must consider clarity, readability, and visual appeal so that users can easily identify and use these elements.

2. Information Design

This element forms the framework for communication between the system and the user to ensure that information is conveyed clearly and efficiently.

Information design involves various supporting aspects, and one of the primary ones is text.

Links, input forms, and explanations included in the copy are examples of information design elements commonly used.

Links act as bridges to connect users to additional pages or information, while input forms enable user interaction with the system. Paragraphs, on the other hand, provide deeper context and explanations.

Not only that, images also become an essential element in information design as they can provide visual dimensions that enrich user understanding.

3. Controls and Navigation

A successful wireframe design is intuitive and easily navigated by visitors or users.

Therefore, the design team must strive to arrange the navigation layout in such a way that users feel familiar and not confused.

One crucial point that should be present in the navigation elements is consistency. This means the use of symbols, words, and the maintenance of navigation patterns should be uniform across various pages.

4. Additional Elements

Since this website design framework is created based on the type of website, you can still incorporate additional elements into it.

For example, if the website you are building will be used for e-commerce, then additional elements or features such as order confirmation, package tracking, and others may be necessary.

Jenis Wireframe yang Umum Digunakan

As this tool is highly flexible, there are several types commonly used in building web designs.

Each type has its purpose and focus, according to the design stage and the information to be conveyed. The three common types are as follows:

1. Low Fidelity

Low-fidelity are basic and conceptual versions of the design. This type typically uses simple geometric shapes, lines, and text without deep visual details.

It focuses on the basic structure and layout of elements, allowing designers to concentrate on illustrating ideas and identifying fundamental issues. Hence, it is very useful in the early planning and design iteration stages.

2. Mid Fidelity

As one of the most commonly used types, mid-fidelity is known for having more detailed information compared to low-fidelity.

Mid-fidelity includes placeholders for images along with visual elements and text content. In terms of design, layout, and application features, all are detailed, making it suitable for obtaining early-stage feedback from teams or clients.

3. High Fidelity

High-fidelity is the closest version to the final design. This type is generally more detailed in displaying visual elements, colors, and typography. 

Additionally, high fidelity also provides a comprehensive representation of the final product's appearance. This type is commonly used in the late development stage before implementation.

Website Wireframe Examples

The design teams need to use website wireframe examples tailored to the type of website, capacity, and user behavior or needs.

To give you an overview of how it generally looks, take a look at the following illustration.

The illustration above depicts the elements within the tool, ranging from logos, headers, links, icons, buttons, and much more.

How to Make a Website Wireframe

If you understand the basic concept and are interested in creating one, here are the steps you can follow.

1. Gather Relevant Data and Information

The first step is to gather data and information related to the website creation effort.All team members responsible for the website creation process should have answers to the following questions:

• What is the purpose of creating the website?
• Who is the target audience trying to reach?
• What type of content will be included on the website?
• Who are the competitors of the website?

2. Determine the Priority Scale of The Elements

The next step is to determine the priority of the elements involved in it. You need to pay attention to the placement of:

• Core content: Ensure that content such as text, images, or videos can be clearly seen and easily navigated.
• Page structure: Determine the layout and structure of the page, including the header, footer, sidebar, and other navigational components.
• Distance between elements: Ensure that each element is separated using visual aspects such as lines or space to help users understand the website's structure.
• Responsiveness: Ensure that the design is responsive on various devices with different screen sizes.
• Interaction: Determine how users interact with the website, whether through buttons, pop-ups, form sheets, or other interactive features.

3. Determine the Platform or Device

As technology advances, now you can find a variety of tools that can help speed up the website design process, such as:

• Figma: A cloud-based web design tool that supports real-time collaboration among teams.
• Axure RP: A highly detailed and interactive wireframing tool.
• Balsamiq: A tool for creating wireframes.
• Adobe XD: A UI/UX design-specific tool with creation and collaboration features.
• MockFlow: Has prototyping features, allowing the creation of interactive wireframe designs quickly.

That was all the explanation about what is a wireframe, types, examples, and how to make one. 

As the initial instrument in website creation, you should use this tool to maximize the efficiency of time and effort spent in the process.

However, if you are a business professional trying to create or update your website's appearance and need expert assistance in doing so, you can use website revamp services.

With the involvement of UI/UX design experts, your business can have a modern, user-friendly, navigational, and SEO-friendly website.

You can also use SEO Services by cmlabs to maximize your website's dominance in the digital search space through empowering SEO-friendly articles.

Let's collaborate! Contact the cmlabs Marketing Team now to schedule a meeting and request a quote!