We're going back to the basics by understanding the difference between wireframes and UI kits. These two tools sound complicated but are simple terms that can amplify your tech outreach and make content decoding meeker. The basics of a user interface can define design workflow and improve mobile applications.
Wireframes
A wireframe is a picture book lover's dream! Wireframes are a diagram view of a website page that uses simple pictures and symbols to represent what a webpage would look like. Showing page structure, navigation, and content distribution.
Some companies utilize a template for all webpage to keep consistency for new designers. It's important to strategically place content on certain pages to give off the best effect to your readers. Mapping out each zone on each page is a form of art as it is necessary to create a smooth flow from paragraph to paragraph and page to page.
Think of building a wireframe like your grocery list. First, you decide on everything you need on each page. Then, you can structure your list to have certain information specific to a page such as building out your grocery list specific to each aisle in the store.
Tips:
- You can use Illustrator or InDesign to build simple wireframes.
- If you build a template, set reminders in the template for your team about having specific page goals. Such as content structure, things to avoid, paragraph formation, product showcasing, etc.
UI Kits
UI stands for user interface, or in other words, how your user interacts with the symbols and objects place on your site.
A UI kit is a tool you can access that will have all the basic elements you could need when developing your user interface (Icons, graphs, buttons, checkboxes). All in all, it's a kit that allows you to save time by not having to build everything from scratch.
The most common use for UI Kits is for prototyping and mobile design.
Tips:
- If using a UI Kit, the standardization means it is suitable and easy to use for most viewers. However, the standard way isn't for everyone so if you have time to create your own graphics, go for it. If not, trust the experts!
- Save time and MONEY by using a UI kit rather than your own personnel. It gives you a sense of what your design will look like before you implement hard coding or launch the final project.
Alternative
Our team of experts here at Blue Archer are educated and practiced in web design and user engagement. We combine our skills in all areas to bring a developed, ready to launch website right to you.
Allow us to build or recreate the best user experience for your audience.
Contact Blue Archer to start a conversation about your next project.