What is the main purpose of wireframes in UX design?

Wireframes serve primarily to establish the layout and structure of a design. They provide a blueprint that outlines the arrangement of elements on a page, such as navigation, content areas, and interactive components. This foundational stage allows designers and stakeholders to visualize the site's basic architecture before introducing detailed visual elements and functionalities.

By focusing on the wireframe phase, teams can quickly iterate on design ideas, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments at a low cost, as changes in this phase are much easier to implement than modifications made later in the design process. Wireframes do not include finalized colors, fonts, or graphic elements; instead, they prioritize functionality and the relationship of various components, ensuring that the overall user experience can be effectively planned out.

Finalizing visual elements and mocking up full functionalities come later in the design process, as does conducting user research, which should inform wireframing efforts rather than be completely replaced by them. This makes the choice to focus on wireframes as a structural foundation crucial in developing a well-designed product.