There are nine steps to wireframing mobile apps. These include mapping out user flows, testing design decisions and ensuring that your content is compatible across all screen sizes.
Mobile app design is no exception. Wireframes are the foundation of every project. Wireframes are a bridge between low-fidelity sketches, and the first interactive prototypes. Wireframing mobile is a complex process.
There are many ways that different designers approach wireframing, and how it translates to hi-fi design. Some companies recommend coding straight from sketches. However, the most common design process includes the following steps: Sketch (Conceptual Level) – Wireframe (Component Level) – Mock/Prototype Styles/Interactions Level) – Code. Hire an android app development company in Mumbai. They are the best choice for developing top notch mobile apps.
Remember that product design is a multi-step process and wireframing shouldn’t be the first. It is important to spend enough time in user-research before creating wireframes. Wireframing will be easier if you have access to both qualitative and quantitative research data.
This guide will show you how to wireframe a native iOS app for food delivery.
How to wireframe a mobile app
- Begin by mapping out the flow of users you want to reach.
- Draw the core of the user flow
- Set up a Mobile Frame to get started wireframing
- Use boxes to plan your layout
- Use design patterns
- Actual copy should be brought in
- Make sure your content is well-scaled
- To create a flow, connect the pages.
- Test your design decisions
Before creating wireframes
Plan out the flow of users you want to target
Before you start wireframing, it is important to know how many screens will need and how users will interact. This understanding is easier when you have a clear idea of the user flow.
A User flow describes a set of steps that a user takes in order to reach a particular goal. A user may take several paths to achieve a goal. User flows are not always linear.
You can use user flows to help you determine what wireframes and how they should be connected.
So, You can visualize the flow with basic objects like boxes and arrows. You can create user flows on paper , or with a digital tool.
Draw the core of the user flow
Visualizing the flow is the next step after you have defined it. You might find it tempting to use digital prototyping tools for this, but it is better to resist the temptation. This step allows you to let your creativity shine through and explore different design options. Sketching on paper, or with a digital sketching program is often better.
Sketches enable you to quickly create concepts that you can share with others and improve upon them. Sketching should be done from the user’s perspective. Think about what the user is trying to achieve. A person using a food delivery app for food ordering is looking to get delicious food as quickly as possible. Ask:
- What’s the point of this page?
- What does this page do to help a user/business reach its goal(s).
Wireframing
Your wireframes will be built on the sketches you have created. Try to create high-fidelity wireframes when wireframing. Discussions with other developers and designers can be very helpful when using mid-fidelity wireframes.
Create a mobile frame
It’s possible to use just a rectangle to frame your mobile design. However, it is better to choose a frame with the dimensions of the device you are designing for. The frame acts as a natural limiter, preventing you from placing too many elements on your screen. A frame creates the illusion of a design.
You will usually have several devices that you need to design. It is recommended that you start with the device with the middle screen size. An iPhone XS frame is possible if you are developing an iOS app.
Layout with boxes
Your goal in the initial stages of wireframe is to create a clear visual hierarchy — a set layout and structure. You should not be focusing on the content at this stage. Instead, think about how it will be presented. Layout the information according to the way you want the user to use it. Start by drawing boxes on.
You should place a strong emphasis on the order in which you want to present information to your users. You should keep in mind that web pages and phones are scanned from top to bottom. This is the F-shaped pattern which works for both desktop and mobile screens.
Use design patterns
Good UX design is built on familiarity. People can rely on the previous experience they have with a product if they see familiar UI elements. Both iOS and Android have native design templates that make it easier to create a familiar experience. You can use design patterns to solve common problems, such as global navigation.
Actual copy should be brought in
After you have satisfied with the visual hierarchy, replace placeholders and dummy texts with real content (actual copy or one that is relevant for the user). LoremIpsum’s page doesn’t clearly communicate the benefits it provides users to reach their goals. This is why we shouldn’t use dummy text. Many visual elements that we create are also based on content from our products. You will find that not all UI elements or UI sections are necessary for your product as you add actual content.
Sometimes wireframing can be difficult to use. It is important to constantly improve the way you communicate information.
Once you have filled the page with real copy, check that the page flows well for the user. You might have some content that is not in the right order. This is the ideal time to organize the pages and improve their composition.
Make sure your content is well-scaled
Your design may look great on an iPhone XS medium screen, but that doesn’t mean it will be the same for the iPhone 5 or iPhone XS Max. It’s fine to wireframe on a medium-sized screen, but it’s important to test how the content looks on smaller and larger screens and adjust it as necessary.
To create a flow, connect the pages.
It’s possible to send your design as a series of screens, but it’s better if you create a flow from them. UX flows allow the team to easily understand interaction scenarios. They communicate how users are expected to interact with the product.
UX flows can help you see the entire app functionality. You might also notice that the home screen needs to be separated from the page with search results. This is because the backend of your system may take a while to return the results.
It is also a good idea for each screen to be given a reference number. Referring to the reference numbers can make it easier for you to discuss the project with your team members and stakeholders.
Test your design decisions
The final and most important step in wireframing is testing. This term is frequently used to refer to prototypes. Testing involves user interactions. It’s possible to test a flow created using wireframes.
Concluding
Wireframing’s ultimate goal is to define the content outline and provide a foundation for the design process. A well-designed wireframe makes interaction and visual design much simpler.
You’ll discover your style of wireframing if you spend enough time trying out different tools and processes. Practice makes perfect.