A wireframe is a page schematic or visual design that lacks colors, a topographic style, graphics, and interactive elements. It is a kind of skeleton that types a specific point in the design process. Read on further to know more about UX wireframing tools.
Types of UX Wireframing
Wireframes are generally used by designers to link conceptual structures with a visual design of an app or website. There are three types of UX wireframes:
- Low-fidelity: This is an early drawing stage without much detail. They are sketches done manually to represent a specific idea.
- Mid-fidelity wireframes: These are wireframes that show clearer details compared to low-fidelity sketches. They are focused more on the overall structure of the page.
- High-fidelity: These are advanced drawings that show more details of the components and characteristics. It is the last step of prototyping in the design process.
Purpose of Your UX Design Project
The main purpose of a UX wireframe is to indicate layout ideas that represent behavior priority content and functionality of an app or website. It serves as a rough copy where several ideas are tested before being implemented.
What Should You Look for in UX wireframing Tools?
There are several things that you should consider when looking for wireframing tools. But before that, you need to ask yourself a few questions: will you work solo or collaborate with other UX designers? Will you need pre-installed UI kits? Do your prototypes and wireframes require to be responsive?
- Pricing and budgeting
One of the things you should look for in UX wireframing tools is pricing and budgeting. Just like any software product, you need to consider your budget when shopping for wireframe tools. It is good for subscription-based tools to cut on your budget.
The only person who can determine the acceptable sum of a new wireframe tool is you. Besides, there are some wireframing tools that are totally free to use.
2. Your future design needs
If you are considering switching to a different wireframing tool, then chances are high that you already have some required functionalities in mind. Having said that, it is important to consider the future needs when looking for shopping for wireframing tools.
3. Features
Different wireframing tools are created for different purposes. That means not all tools will have the same features. It is up to you to think of the features that best suit your situation. For example, if free web-based tools can work for you, then go for them
4. Choose a tool that works best with your design workflow
You also need to consider how wireframe tools will affect your design workflow. For example, if you are a freelance designer, who mostly works solo, then it won’t make sense to purchase collaborative wireframe tools.
Bottom line
Regardless of which tool you select, it is important to always remember that a tool is just a means to an end. Don’t stress yourself trying to look for a wireframing tool that has all manner of features. Take your time to get something that suits your current situation.
