When it comes to swift app development, having a solid wireframe is crucial for creating an exceptional user experience. But what does it take to create a killer wireframe? We asked eight industry experts and design pros to share their insights on what makes a great wireframe and how they start their own process.
Start with a Clear Understanding of Your Users
Before diving into the world of wireframing, it's essential to have a deep understanding of your target audience. This will allow you to better grasp how necessary information will unfold on screen before branding and visual elements come into play. "Beginners need to keep in mind that a wireframe is a high-level skeleton or outline of what a mobile product will be without getting too granular," says Shelly Jameer, UX Designer at Clearbridge Mobile.
Craft a Succinct User Story
When it comes to crafting your user story, it's essential to focus on the fundamental task at hand. What is the user trying to accomplish? Who are they, and what else is going on as they try to get this done? If you can't easily explain, in writing, what your users are trying to do, you shouldn't expect to do a great job designing a delightful user experience for them. "Always start with a succinct user story," advises Healy Jones, Co-Founder of FinvsFin.
Put Pen to Paper First
Instead of diving straight into wireframing software, start by putting pen to paper. This allows you to get your ideas out without worrying about specific screen sizes or elements. Don't worry about how crude the designs are – it's not about the presentation at this point. Think of it as just rapid concepting. "I start with wireframing an app with a pencil and blank 3x5 notecards," shares Chris Karnes, Head of Growth at Going Merry.
Trust the Process
Wireframing is all about iteration and feedback. Every stage of the process is an opportunity to get input from other members of your product team (developers, designers, business analysts) or actual users. "We often start with a flowchart that shows the relationship between all of our screens," says James Lockrey, Executive Producer at Chaos Theory Games.
Draft and Iterate
Remember, wireframes are used for communicating ideas, not as a final product. Every aspect is merely a draft or concept. For example, wireframes don't have to be digital – they can be a sketch behind a napkin. They also don't need to have final copy or graphics. "Color or no color is a preference and doesn't matter as long as you feel good about what it's representing," advises Sidharath Chhatani, Product Designer at ClutchPrep.
Take a Step Back
Before diving into wireframing, start by writing an outline of content types to create early information architecture. This will help guide your wireframing and ensure that the length/size of pieces of content is considered. "I'd just limit the initial planning to the marketing and strategy team," shares Mira Zyra, Senior UX Designer at Amethyst Design.
It's a Team Effort
Wireframing isn't a solo activity – it requires collaboration with your marketing and strategy teams. The wireframe has to be created by someone who knows what the user wants. Most of the time, this is the digital marketing strategy team. "I'd just limit the initial planning to the marketing and strategy team," advises Abhijith VM, Digital Marketing Team Lead at ClaySys Technologies.
Think About the Big Picture
Wireframes are a cost-effective technique used early on in digital product design to identify issues and pivot before too much time and money is spent. A wireframe typically includes key page elements, site features, and navigation. "It's easy to get started by drawing boxes for the different types of content a page should display," says [Name], [Title] at [Company].