Wireframing Process
1. Sketches
What's on it:
Outlined boxes
Placeholder boxes to represent images, text, and graphics
Can be done in low, mid, or high fidelity depending on project needs
Purpose:
To start the conversation about design needs and layout
Helps clarify and define features needed and change ideas quickly
Helps visualize how screens might look on different device sizes and in different contexts
2. Wireframes/Gray-Boxing
What's on it:
Filler content (Lorem ipsum or actual text, which is highly recommended)
Placeholder images or stock images
Usually created using design software with an existing wireframing UI kit or from scratch
Purpose:
Visualize the general layout
Establish correct proportions
Build trust with stakeholders by presenting a more fleshed-out idea
Fast and cost-effective way to create initial ideas or low-fidelity prototypes
3. Component Design
What's on it:
UI kits
Symbols (buttons, badges)
Element states (hover state, clicked state)
Components (tables, lists, cards, forms)
Actual text
Purpose:
Discover and address usability issues
Uncover accessibility and responsive problems
Translate ideas into consistent elements that can be shared with engineers and discussed across teams
4. User Flows and Task Flows
What's on it:
Wireframes
Flow charts
Wireflows
Arrows
Conditionals
Purpose:
Show navigation routes
Check for missing states and information
Visualize entry, exit, and decision points for the user/customer journey
5. High-Fidelity Designs
What's on it:
Shows exactly how things will appear in the final product
Purpose:
Create pixel perfection
Ensure visual design consistency
Add a sense of brand identity
Select final design assets
Obtain final approval from stakeholders
6. Prototype
What's on it:
All screens in high-fidelity
Target points to mimic user interactions with the real product
Purpose:
Link together all screens and flows in a simulated environment
Ensure everything looks good, works well, and flows as intended before production
Considered the pre-code or no-code version of the product