When starting a new project, one of the first steps is to create wireframes to outline the structure and layout of your application or website. Wireframing is an important part of the design process as it allows you to plan the interface and user flow before visual design and development begins.
Choosing the right wireframe templates can save you a lot of time and effort. Here are some tips on how to select wireframe templates that will work for your particular project:
Understand Your Project Goals and Requirements
Before choosing a wireframe template, think about the goals and requirements of your project. What platforms will it be designed for – web, mobile, tablet? Will it be an app, website, or something else? Does it need to support complex workflows and user flows?
Understanding the scope will help you determine the level of fidelity and functionality you need in your wireframes. Low fidelity templates are good for early ideation while high fidelity is better for finalizing interactions.
Pick Your Wireframing Fidelity
Wireframes come in different levels of detail and fidelity. Low fidelity wireframes simply outline content and basic layout. High fidelity wireframes look more like the final product with typography, images, and other design elements.
For early ideation, low fidelity wireframes allow you to focus on function over aesthetics. When user flows are finalized, high fidelity wireframes add helpful details. Select template fidelity appropriate for each stage.
Make Sure Templates Are Customizable
While pre-made templates save time, you’ll still want to adapt them to your specific needs. Look for wireframe kits where you can edit and resize elements, add new components, and drag and drop sections.
Customizable templates function like building blocks, letting you assemble and tweak to create unique interfaces that match your requirements. To see how some of these criteria come together in a leading wireframing tool, discover wireframe examples on the Miro website.
Focus on Your Users and Their Goals
Always keep the end-user experience in mind when selecting and designing wireframes. The right templates make it easy to plan and visualize how users will interact with your product and important workflows.
Prioritize templates that help you map out user goals and tasks so you can create an optimal journey. Simple layouts and components make it easier to focus on improving usability.
Look for Responsive Options
For optimal usability, most websites and apps today should be responsive, adapting layouts seamlessly for different devices and viewport sizes.
Seek out wireframe templates that are inherently responsive or let you quickly generate mobile and desktop versions. Being able to visualize how UIs adapt on different screens makes it easier to plan a unified experience.
Look for Team Collaboration Features
Modern tools make it easy for distributed teams to collaborate on wireframes in real-time. Multi-user editing, built-in team communication, interactive commenting, and other features help teams iterate on designs together.
The ability to get live feedback speeds up the design process and results in better wireframes.
Choosing the right wireframe templates is an important first step in starting new projects. Keeping your specific goals and audience needs in mind will ensure you select flexible, customizable templates that help you design great user experiences. Diverse libraries with responsive components, multi-user collaboration, and real-world examples give you everything needed to create wireframes that set your project up for success.