Wireframes are an important part of the website design process. It's a bit like a blueprint for a website or application project, it can help you find out what works and what doesn't work early, and it lets you set content and focus without being disturbed by the design.
If you do well, the wireframe can clarify your thoughts. However, if it is not completed correctly, it may cause the project to derail. Based on this, let's introduce you to a way to improve your wireframe skills and how to use some useful wireframe tools.
Start with a sketch
It sounds like a good idea to start with your favorite design tool, but a sketch of the wireframe with paper and stroke can actually get better results. This process won't take too long, but it can help you better understand the overall plan.
2. Skip color
The purpose of the wireframe is to present content, page and view elements, and to describe the functionality of the application. Adding any design element, such as color, will deviate from the original goal. The color problem can be left in the visual draft phase, and the wireframe does not need to be considered.
3. Keep it simple
Don't complicate the wireframe. A simple wireframe will keep you focused on the big picture and avoid distractions. The wireframe should clearly describe the usability and functionality of the application. At this stage you don't need to delve into the details of the details or the final effects of the design.
4. Use better sample data
If not properly selected, the sample data may corrupt the wireframe. Of course, you don't need to spend too much time populating the data in the online block diagram, but at least make sure that the sample data used is relevant.
5. Add comments when necessary
As a blueprint, wireframes are a guide for designing and developing applications or websites. If you want the wireframe to be easier to understand, you can add comments where necessary and appropriate.
6. Use the grid system and layout box
An interesting technique for making wireframes is to use grid systems and layout boxes to quickly and easily classify and arrange different components.
7. Create reusable styles and symbols
Most of the software available for making wireframes has the ability to create and reuse styles and symbols. This not only speeds up the production process, but also ensures the consistency of the wireframe.
8. Use the right tools
A lot of software is suitable for making wireframes, while others are dedicated to wireframes. Here are a few of the more common tools:
· Sketch is one of the best tools. Together with other solutions such as InVision, Sketch provides designers with the tools they need to get the job done.
.Affinity Designer is a lightweight vector design tool that fully meets everything you need to make wireframes.
·Pencil Project is a free open source tool with built-in shapes and templates for Android, iOS, Dojo, etc. It can also be applied to wireframe websites and desktop applications.
9. Understand the type of wireframe
If you are not familiar with the term "fidelity", it refers to the level of detail. In the online block diagram, you can choose low fidelity and high fidelity, both of which are required, and their respective functions and purposes are different.
The low-fidelity wireframe is the foundation. It doesn't have anything extra and can be made quickly. Its main purpose is to get you started. The high-fidelity wireframe provides more detail, and certainly not as detailed as the visual draft. Wireframes are generally grayscale or monochrome, and are a closer to the actual design.
10. Get feedback quickly
One of the big advantages of wireframes is the short production cycle. This allows you to share with the team early in the design process and get feedback as quickly as possible.
