Wireframe
What is a wireframe in user research?
A wireframe is a basic visual representation of a website or app's layout and structure, used in user research to gather feedback on design concepts before investing in detailed designs.
Synonyms: Low-fidelity prototype, Layout sketch, Page schematic, Website blueprint
Why wireframes are important in user research
Wireframes play a crucial role in user research by providing a low-fidelity visualization of design concepts. They allow researchers and designers to quickly iterate on ideas and gather valuable user feedback early in the design process. By using wireframes, teams can identify potential usability issues and make necessary adjustments before investing time and resources into more detailed designs.
How wireframes are used in user research
In user research, wireframes serve as a communication tool between designers, researchers, and users. They are often used in the following ways:
- Concept testing: Presenting wireframes to users to gather feedback on layout and functionality.
- User flow validation: Using wireframes to walk users through potential navigation paths.
- Stakeholder alignment: Sharing wireframes with team members and clients to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding design direction.
- Usability testing: Conducting early-stage usability tests with wireframes to identify major issues before moving to high-fidelity prototypes.
Examples of wireframes in user research
Wireframes can take various forms depending on the project needs and stage of research:
- Paper wireframes: Quick sketches on paper for rapid ideation and testing.
- Digital wireframes: Created using software tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD.
- Interactive wireframes: Basic clickable prototypes that simulate user interactions.
- Annotated wireframes: Include notes and explanations for team members and stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between a wireframe and a prototype?: A wireframe is a basic layout representation, while a prototype is a more interactive and detailed version of the design.
- How detailed should a wireframe be for user research?: Wireframes for user research should be simple enough to focus on layout and functionality, without distracting users with visual design elements.
- Can wireframes be used for mobile app user research?: Yes, wireframes are commonly used for both website and mobile app user research to test layouts and user flows.
- How long does it take to create a wireframe for user research?: Simple wireframes can be created in minutes, while more complex ones might take a few hours, depending on the project's scope and complexity.
