wireframe meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

wireframe

noun

Etymology From wire + frame. The figurative use is extended from the literal (pre-computing and non-computing) concept of a wire frame, a frame made of wire.

Computer graphics, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences A visual model of an electronic representation of a three-dimensional object as defined geometrically by line segments.

A wireframe is transparent in nature, requiring some skill and expertise in interpreting the model.2001, Philip D. Rufe, Fundamentals of Manufacturing, →ISBN, page 153:

Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences, Web design A basic visual guide used to suggest the layout of fundamental elements in a web interface.

Wireframes should be simple sketches that you can quickly revise and not get attached to.2003, Andrew Chak, Submit Now: Designing Persuasive Web Sites, →ISBN, page 306:

Related terms: CAD/CAM, explicit modeling

wireframe

verb

Etymology From wire + frame. The figurative use is extended from the literal (pre-computing and non-computing) concept of a wire frame, a frame made of wire.

Computer graphics, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences To generate a wireframe representation

She'd barely wireframed it, here, and there was no there there, no interiority.2003, William Gibson, Idoru, page 35:

Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences, Web design To prepare a wireframe for a website

There are a few lists you should make before you start wireframing.2006, Daniel M. Brown, Communicating Design, →ISBN, page 290:

Derived terms: wireframed, wireframer