wireframes

Wireframes are simplified visual representations of a user interface that focus on layout, information architecture, and user flow rather than color, typography, or detailed design. They serve as a blueprint for pages or screens, outlining where content, controls, and navigational elements will appear.

Fidelity of wireframes ranges from low to mid. Low-fidelity wireframes use basic shapes and placeholder text to indicate structure, while mid-fidelity wireframes add more detail about content blocks, element sizing, and interaction points. They typically avoid visual design decisions and branding, concentrating instead on layout, hierarchy, and usability.

Common elements found in wireframes include headers, navigation menus, content regions, sidebars, forms, buttons, and image or media placeholders. Annotations may accompany elements to describe behavior, interactions, or content requirements. Wireframes help teams validate which information is presented, in what order, and how users will move through a workflow.

Process and workflow often begin with user research and scenarios, followed by sketching ideas, then creating digital wireframes. These are reviewed with stakeholders and iterated before moving on to mockups or prototypes that add visual design and interactivity. Wireframes can be created for web pages, mobile screens, or multi-step flows, and may address responsive layouts for different breakpoints.

Tools and methods vary from paper sketches to digital platforms such as Balsamiq, Figma, Axure, Sketch, or Adobe XD. Used effectively, wireframes facilitate communication, uncover usability issues early, and guide subsequent design and development work.