Putting your ideas and thoughts into a format is the first step in developing a mobile application in the future. In the early phases of the project, this kind of graphic presentation is utilized to swiftly coordinate the project specifics with the client. This post will walk you through one of the ways to achieve it.
What Is Wireframing for Mobile Apps?
UI/UX designers often utilize phrases like mockup, prototype, and wireframe in their work. It's common for outsiders or those who are new to the field to assume that these are interchangeable. Actually, no, and the distinctions are as follows:
Wireframe: Usually in black and white, this is a low-fidelity design form. Designers don't need original photos, logos, or other components to build it. The main portions and blocks of the mobile app logic should be shown in the design. It doesn't carry out any actual product duties.
Mockup: This is essentially a more in-depth wireframe that retains the absence of interactive elements. This version displays the primary product characteristics visually along with colors, a selection of pictures, and typography.
Prototype: This is a very realistic version of the upcoming mobile application that may be used to interact with the interface and show animation. You may already use it to conduct usability testing and approve the last minutes with the client before to the product launch.
The aforementioned iterations of mobile app prototyping address distinct problems. Thus, it is essential to go on with the initial goals. It should go without saying that compared to generating a wireframe, building a mockup or prototype would need a lot more time. Wireframes are most often utilized in app development because of this.
The Top 5 Mobile App Wireframe Resources
We've put up a list of several web tools that might help you create wireframes for mobile applications. These tools vary in terms of capabilities and operational details.
Nearly anybody may work with them, and some of them are totally free to use. Moreover, UI/UX designers are not required.
Balsamiq Models
One of the earliest services ever created for wireframe creation is this one. The program is very easy to use and offers a library of pre-made products that can be used using the drag-and-drop method. Both an internet version and a Windows/Mac OS software are offered for the utility.
Block forms in Balsamiq are unusual, as is the default typeface. There are no animations or interactive objects at all. As such, it isn't appropriate for everyone. One session of the demo version lasts no longer than an hour, however it is available for free. The monthly cost of the premium version is $9.
Circuitry.cc
With the help of this simple and intuitive web application, you can rapidly draft a wireframe for a mobile application. For customers who want a straightforward, clean user interface, the product is an excellent choice. To use the wireframe, you don't even need to sign in.
For quickly producing low-accuracy and low-detail wireframes, Wireframe.cc is ideal. Nevertheless, you will need to purchase to the premium edition (from $12) if you want anything more sophisticated. It will be possible for you to collaborate with your coworkers on editing by sharing prototypes and offering input. Additionally, some features are exclusive to the premium edition.
Figma
With the help of certain integrated prototype tools, this design editor may effectively replace the majority of web resources meant for wireframe creation. You may choose a gadget for which a prototype has been made in this editor. Smart watches are included as well.
One of the benefits of Figma is that several users may collaborate on a single project at once, and all modifications are kept inside the same project. Colleagues converse by making comments on the components. Cost: $12 per month.
Moqups
Moqups is an online editor for developing prototypes of websites and applications. Here, you may create designs by using a simple scenario. You may drag and drop things from the dashboard into the workspace with ease. Next, you may alter additional settings, access the properties menu or color palette, and resize or modify them.
A vast library of pre-made components, such as sets for the iOS and Android operating systems, is available as part of the service (Material Design). You are able to post your own photos as well. Even if this is your first time using Moqups, you can get the hang of it quickly thanks to its intuitive UI. The starting price for a paid service plan is $19.
Marverlapp
Marverlapp is a multipurpose design framework that works well for wireframing mobile applications for a range of gadgets, including smartwatches. The business offers wireframe templates, which are pre-made screen patterns, among other things. They may be used in "drag-and-drop" mode.
MarvelApp is a great example of simplicity and ease, with a free basic edition that allows for one user and two projects. Monthly pricing for paid service plans begin at $16.
Benefits of Wireframing Mobile Apps
The wireframe displays the primary content of the final application, an approximate representation of the user interface, and how the user will interact with it. They work well for rapid job visualizations and are often used in project documentation.
The following are the primary benefits of mobile app wireframing:
It is feasible to assess the final mobile app's concept and gauge how well developers grasp the concept and the required technical work;
Graphic representation of the product architecture;
Ascertain if changes to the application-user interaction pattern are required;
By serving as a middleman, you can show the end user your wireframe more rapidly. You can also save money and effort by identifying changes that need to be made to your app early on in the wireframe review process, as it will be simpler to make the required adjustments.
A Custom Mobile App Development Company specializes in developing customized mobile applications that are matched to specific business needs. These include aspects such as functionality, user interface design, cross-platform compatibility, and continuous support to guarantee user satisfaction and optimal performance.