Wireframing is a visual representation of the skeletal framework of a website or other user interface. The main goal of a wireframe is to show layout, functionality, and user experience. We want to provide a visualization and basic interactive flow that is concrete enough for viewers to fill in remaining details with their imagination to understand what the page will look and feel like.

In industry, wireframing might be more detailed (high-fidelity), where elements like fonts, colors, padding, and margins are fully defined, making the wireframes look almost identical to the final product. However, in this class, we’re focusing on more basic, low-fidelity wireframes. We’ll demonstrate our expectations for these wireframes through a tutorial later.

Why wireframing?

Wireframing is an essential step in the design process because it allows for faster interaction prototyping and iterative design. Creating wireframes is often quicker than coding from scratch, making it easier to implement changes without the extensive testing that might be required for code changes in production. This approach supports iteration, a principle we’ve seen in previous courses, like 6.102.

Wireframing also provides a better visualization of potential user interactions within a website, making the design more concrete than abstract ideas. By seeing how users may interact with your design, you can ensure it aligns with your mental model and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, wireframing simplifies the creation of consistent styles, as it allows you to focus purely on the structural aspects of the website, without the distractions of detailed design elements.

Why learn wireframing as a Software Engineer?

Learning to wireframe equips you with the ability to better collaborate with designers and product managers and even contribute to the ideation process. As a software engineer, you might find yourself in situations where you need to wear a designer’s hat, such as when quickly visualizing a new idea or feature, or when working on personal projects without a dedicated design team. Wireframing is also a form of prototyping that allows you to identify and address potential design problems early on.