A wireframe is a very simple representation of user interfaces on digital devices (computers, tablets, smartphones or smartwatches), limited to functional aspects. Buttons, navigation icons, arrangements and displays are shown here to collect initial feedback on the ideas from test users.
The goal is to use these wireframes to determine functions and arrangements for further prototypes as quickly as possible. Mostly simple drawings on paper, Post-it or cardboard are used.
A wireframe is a schematic design that defines which elements are used in which places and how navigation between elements works on individual or different web pages or screens of an application. The process of creating a wireframe is called wireframing. Translated, wireframe means “wire framework” and originally comes from the term “tailor’s dummy”.
Wireframing is an important part of the software development process. It allows the designer to plan the layout and interaction with the interfaces without being distracted by colors, typeface or even texts.