Startup Dictionary
Wireframe
Definition
A visual guide that represents the skeletal framework of a website or application.
Deep Dive
A wireframe serves as a foundational visual guide, outlining the skeletal framework of a website, application, or digital product. It's a low-fidelity, often grayscale, representation that prioritizes structure, layout, and content hierarchy over aesthetics or detailed design elements. Its primary purpose is to define the arrangement of elements, user flow, and functional requirements, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on the core architecture before engaging in more resource-intensive design phases.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1A web designer sketches block shapes on paper to represent the header, navigation menu, main content area, and footer of a new company website.
- 2A mobile app developer uses a digital tool to map out the sequence of screens a user will encounter when performing a specific task, such as creating an account.
Related Terms
MockupPrototypeUser Experience (UX) Design