What does the term "wireframe" refer to in web design?

The term "wireframe" in web design refers to a basic layout representation without design elements. It serves as a blueprint for a website, showing the structure and intended functionality of web pages. Wireframes focus on positioning elements like headers, footers, navigation, and content areas without the distraction of colors, fonts, or images. This allows designers and stakeholders to visualize the arrangement of components and the overall flow of the user experience in a simplified manner.

Creating wireframes is a crucial step in the design process because it provides a clear framework for discussions about functionality and usability before the visual design and development phases begin. By simplifying the complexity of a web page to its core structural elements, wireframes facilitate communication among team members and clients, ensuring everyone is aligned on the layout and features before moving forward.