Good website design goes through a wireframing process early on. While it may seem like an unnecessary step for some, it is a crucial part of creating a website that performs the sought after functionality. But let’s back up for a minute, and briefly explain what wireframing is in case you’re not familiar with the web design step.
Wireframing: a page schematic or screen blueprint that acts as a visual guide that represents the skeletal framework of a website. Wireframes are created in order to give an example of a website’s elements and navigation path.
These two-dimensional layouts can be sketched by hand or created digitally, but aim to illustrate specific size and placement of page elements, site features, conversion areas, and more. Wireframing plays a vital role in preparing a website for the user interface (UI) design, and furthermore, anticipates what will provide a positive user experience.
Additionally, wireframing is a step that should not be skipped over because it enables the client or responsible stakeholder of the project to have a barebones idea of where the website is headed before design. This can help save both time and money, as it:
- Provides a conversation starter with the client or responsible party
- Enables easier first stage editing
- Helps identify future update possibilities
- Promotes confidences in future design fulfillment
So in an effort to help your wireframing design process, we’ve picked the five best tools that can help push the needle forward in your future projects.
1. Canva
This is probably a tool you’ve heard of, and most likely already use it in some capacity. Canva is heralded for its easy to use and customizable interface. Features like drag and drop text/grid boxes enable fast and efficient wireframing. With thousands of built-out templates, sharing capabilities via email and link, and iOS and Android accessibility, Canva ranks as one of the best wireframing tools to date.
2. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe is a juggernaut in the digital space — their suite of products provides the tools to create almost anything necessary. While Abode hits well above the weight class of wireframing, it is still a top pick for creating these schematic layouts. Teams are able to easily collaborate within the same file in Illustrator and offer designers greater control over what their wireframe examples can display. If you’re needing to create a vector wireframe, Adobe Illustrator should be your go-to.
3. Sketch
Sketch is another vector wireframing tool to explore if Illustrator doesn’t seem like the right fit. Similar to Canva, Sketch allows for quick and easy design. While the platform lacks the power of more robust wireframing programs, it does allow for third-party extensions to help add some juice to your arsenal of capabilities. However, where Sketch shines is in the export game — allowing ease of transition between planning and design development.
4. Adobe Photoshop
Back to the alpha, Adobe offers multiple products that are a tremendous fit for wireframing projects, Photoshop being another one. While everyone loves the application for its ability to create the newest internet meme, Photoshop gives design and development teams the chance to create advanced pixel-based wireframe layouts. The biggest advantage of using this tool is the opportunity to create high-fidelity schematics without the need to jump between wireframing platforms
5. InVision Studio
InVision Studio is a great choice for creating wireframes for multiple screen sizes. As one of the more user-friendly tools, InVision Studio comes with pre-built UI components that are accessible through their design library. In addition, it features an “inspect tool” that makes the flip between wireframing to design development an easy progression.
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At Venta Marketing, we are helping businesses meet their goals head-on. As leaders in the digital marketing industry, we know what goes into great web design — including wireframing. Contact us today to inquire about our web services!