What is included in the "skeleton" layer of UX design?

The skeleton layer of UX design is primarily concerned with the product's layout, which includes how content is organized and structured on the interface. This layer serves as the framework that supports the visual design elements and is essential for guiding users through interactions with the product. By focusing on the layout, designers can create clear pathways for users, ensuring that important information is easily accessible and logically placed.

This layer delineates where elements like buttons, text, images, and interactive features will be situated, which is crucial for enhancing usability and overall user experience. A well-structured layout contributes to intuitive navigation, making it easier for users to achieve their goals.

In contrast, the visual design elements refer to aesthetics, such as color schemes and typography, which are part of the surface layer rather than the skeleton layer. The overall user strategy encompasses high-level goals and approaches for the user experience and is more conceptual than structural. User needs and goals are also foundational to the design process but represent insights that inform decisions rather than structural layout considerations.