Types of Wireframing

There are basically three types of wireframing:

1. Low-fidelity Wireframes

The basic visual structure of the software is represented with the low fidelity Wireframes. These are basically rough sketches of your application’s webpage and it is considered as the starting point of software designs. There is no need to add too many details in low fidelity wireframes. Add only simplistic images, block shapes, and basic elements such as headings, labels, etc. Adding too much detail can be distracting, so keep it as simple as possible. You can create, low-fidelity wireframes without worrying too much about the scale, grid, or pixel accuracy. 

These wireframes are useful when you’re starting your conversation with the stakeholder and you need to give your client a rough sketch idea of the application. Both of you decide the basic layout such as navigation layout and mapping the user flow.

2. Mid-fidelity Wireframes

Mid fidelity wireframes have some detailed and accurate description than low fidelity. Out of three wireframes, mid-fidelity wireframes are the most commonly used by designers because neither it takes too much time to create (like high fidelity) nor gives very fewer details (like low fidelity) to the stakeholder. These wireframes are relevant to create at the early stages of designing the product. 

These wireframes also avoid distractions such as images or typography. In mid-fidelity wireframes, various components of software and features are clearly visible and can be easily differentiated from each other. Varying text weights can be used to separate headings from the body content. Sometimes designers use the gray shade in the wireframe for highlighting the individual elements in it. These wireframes can be created using the software Sketch or Balsamiq.

3. High-fidelity Wireframes

High fidelity wireframes represent a much more detailed description then mid-fidelity wireframes. These wireframes boast a pixel-specific layout. In low fidelity wireframes, we represent the content with some pseudo-Latin text fillers and for images, we create some grey boxes filled in with an ‘X’. This is not in the case of high-fidelity wireframes. High-fidelity wireframes may include the actual featured images and relevant written content. 

With a detailed description of high-fidelity wireframes, it’s easy to understand and document complex concepts such as menu systems or interactive maps.

Wireframing is the skeleton of digital design. It’s where ideas start taking shape visually, outlining the structure and functionality of websites, apps, and digital products. In this article, we’ll break down what wireframing is, why it’s essential, and how it streamlines the design process.