Difference Between Wireframing and Prototyping
Wireframing |
Prototyping |
|
---|---|---|
Description |
Simplified Representation or a basic layout. (Rough, imprecise sketch) |
Early Design Model of the Final User Interface. It is a clickable prototype that resemble the behaviour of an actual app. |
Objective |
To visually communicate an idea. |
To validate assumptions by testing with end users. |
Design Fidelity |
Wireframing is Low-fidelity Design. |
Prototyping is High-fidelity Design. |
Structure |
Looks like Tree Diagram or Flowchart that shows all pages and how the pages will connect. |
Looks like Mock-Up or Demo of what the final Product looks like when the product will be live. |
Nature |
Wireframes are Static in Nature |
Prototypes are Interactive in Nature |
Costing |
Wireframe is a Low Cost design structure. |
Costing of Prototype ranges from to Medium to High Cost. |
Time Investment |
Wireframes are Quick to Implement |
Prototype takes more time than wireframing as it is more detailed. |
Components |
Visual Color and Design are not Implemented. Basically contains black and white lines, rectangular boxes. Fonts don’t play important role here. |
Contains detailed Content and Images with Interaction and Animations. |
Function |
Access serviceability and focus on structure. |
Test user interaction and any possible flaws before developing ang making the product live. |
Interactivity |
There is no Interactivity in wireframing. |
Prototypes are highly interactive and almost gives the feel of the original product. |
Difference Between Wireframing and Prototyping in UX Design
Wireframing and Prototyping are two main stages of the Design Process. These two are equally important steps in a User-centered product design process. Prototypes and Wireframes are two of the most frequently produced UI and UX deliverables. These tools help design the client’s needs by Illustrating Ideas and Concepts and collecting Responses from Users. These two serve different purposes during product development and both of these make product development efficient and user friendly.