Learn the Importance of Wireframes in Mobile App Development

Well, we all know mobile app development is quite an intricate task. Every business wants a mobile app and it is a great investment. A mobile app serves a lot of purposes and it can also help in different ideas.

however, deciding when and how to start off is a tough decision.

So, the question is how to get started.

Well getting an app wireframe is the best possible solution.

Wireframing is the best way to start working on application development. So, without further delay, let’s learn about what wireframing is. And what role it plays in mobile app development. Let’s figure out the best starting point when we decide to work on mobile app development.

What is wireframe / wireframing?

Consolidate your ideation step but putting it into something tangible and easy to visualize and this is done by sketching or wireframing.

Though there are few answers on the internet, and according to Wikipedia, “A website wireframe, also known as a page schematic or screen blueprint, is a visual guide that represents the skeletal framework of a website. Wireframes are created for the purpose of arranging elements to best accomplish a particular purpose. The purpose is usually being informed by a business objective and a creative idea.”

The explanation given here is of web app development but there is no major difference except for the platforms and device where they are used.

For many, the term wireframe sounds unfamiliar, but it simply portrays skeletal mobile structure. Often compared to blueprints. It is the backbone of an application and supports the relationship between elements ie; lay out the structure and hierarchy to form a mobile application.

The wireframe is a roadmap of the whole construction process which helps us understand how it will look and function.

Things involved in wireframe that you see-

• Content prioritization

• Space distribution

• Actions

• Features and functions

• Relationship between screens

Wireframes show how your app would look, its features ad layout.

Things company show in wireframe-

• Object categories

• Possible actions

• page elements

• Content prioritization

• Visual branding elements

Things you should expect in wireframe

• Colors

• Design elements

• Fonts

• Logos

• Actual images

There are some terms when we talk about wireframe and they are

• Sketch

• Mock-up

• And prototype

Let’s learn about it.

 

1. Sketch

The name itself justifies what we are talking about. Through a basic drawing or hand-drawn layout, you will figure out and visualize how the app looks like and wireframing involves these basic goals.

It’s like putting your idea on paper and sketching. And later using this sketch for developing a functioning app.

2. Mock-up

After framing, the next step involves framing mockup. Well, the question is, what is mock-up? The mockup includes elements like logos, colors, text, fonts, and images. This all is for designing ideas and where to put all and aids in detailing of application.

3. Prototype

We create Apps to interact with users. The app is tested in a prototype. In the mockup stage, you can enrich it with excellent UX features that you would like to see in your app. Prototype help in implementing the idea of a project to reality, though it will not have the full functionality. At this stage, things need to be fixed and corrected.

Mobile devices have different platforms like iOS and Android.

The question arises- is there any difference between iOS and Android?

Experts suggest opting for an iOS wireframing first, as it is much faster to create than android. There are minor changes, which is why you cannot prepare a single wireframe for two.

Let’s focus on the importance of wireframe.

1. Clear communication

By instructing document and wireframing, communication is made crystal clear. Wireframe helps the developer in a better understanding of the client’s needs.

2. Keep focused

Wireframe guides the developer and whole team and helps them stay focused. From beginning

to the end of the product a wireframe guide inside out and helps developers to stick to the idea.

3. Helps in exploring the right strategy

With the help of wireframe and blueprint, a developer can design a strategy. With a destination in mind, you can frame the right strategy. To make the mobile app easy, wireframe helps developers to work according to a created strategy.

4. Budget idea

Through wireframe, an app development company can estimate the cost of developing a product. It gives a budget range and helps in taking a financial decision to develop a mobile app.

5. Increases Development speed

With the insight of a goal, the journey becomes easy and faster. It lifts the speed of project development and helps in achieving the goal faster.

6. Gives a clear picture of how an app looks

Wireframe helps in creating a clear picture of how an app and its pages and screen will look. It becomes a lot easier to explain to the team and client what functions to be added to what they want in their app to have.

7. Makes transition easy

There is an option of changing design anytime and wireframe makes the transition very easy. It helps in making multiple changes anytime at any stage. Now launch your app more effectively with a good wireframe. Now fix anything without paying developers an extra for redoing the same work.

8. Provide visual material for promotion

For your investors and client, you will have visual material to present and explain them and use them as a presentation and to pitch your project right away.

Tools used in wireframing

• Axure RP

• MockPlus

• UX Pin

• Photoshop CC

Conclusion

For a smooth process of mobile app development, wireframe plays an essential role. It saves money and provides a lot of benefits like it saves money, ensures clear communication between the development team, investors/clients.

There are many tools available in the market for wireframing and prototyping. Spending on these tools is savage then spending a lot on corrections. We would recommend you to wireframe before starting a project. Experts at GKMIT have worked really hard to deliver the best mobile app development project both on iOS and Android platforms. For more information please contact us and leave your queries in the comment section below.

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