Wireframes represent the fundamental aspects of a nascent product idea in a low-fidelity format. The wireframe outlines the page layout, information architecture, and path. Wireframes may be drawn by hand or produced digitally, and they feature primarily black, white, and grey colours.
Prototypes are working models of apps or websites used in the design process after wireframing. The user journey, the sequence of actions required to achieve particular outcomes, and potential problems with the flow of interaction can all be assessed through prototyping.
A mockup is a high-fidelity visualisation of the finished product design that delivers the appearance of the text, iconography, colour, and overall aesthetic of the design.
5 Most Popular Wireframing and Prototyping Tools
- Adobe XD
- Figma
- InVision
The key distinction between wireframes and prototypes is whether the mockup matches the final product as precisely as possible. With wireframing, you create the skeleton of the structure and the basic layout, including the path between screens. They are always static. Prototypes, in contrast, provide a peek at the interface, user behaviour, and visual elements. They are clickable and interactive.