Are Wireframes still necessary if I can design directly on website builders?
What I believe the role of wireframing is in modern web design and a walkthrough of our well-loved Wireframe Kit.
Are Wireframes still necessary if I can design directly on drag-and-drop website builders?
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Design
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Video
As web designers in the era of user-friendly website builders like Squarespace, we face a dilemma: Should we skip wireframing altogether and design directly on the editor? Or is it worthwhile to spend a few hours exploring layouts in visual editors like Adobe XD, Figma, or Canva before moving on to the actual website build?
The Appeal of Direct Building
Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, you can design directly on Squarespace or similar platforms. The ability to drag and drop elements, adjust colors and fonts, and add media on the fly is undeniably appealing. It's immediate, it's tangible, and it feels productive. So why bother with wireframes?
The Value of Wireframing
While wireframing in tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or Canva isn't a strict requirement, it offers several advantages that can significantly improve your design process and outcomes:
Faster Layout Exploration. Wireframing tools allow you to explore multiple layout ideas without the constraints of a website builder. This gives you space for more creative freedom.
Unique Designs. Templates on website builders are an excellent starting point, but they can sometimes lead to websites that look too similar or, as I like to call it, "too Squarespace-y." Wireframing offers you the chance to create unique, tailored designs without being overly influenced by pre-made templates.
Time and Cost Efficiency. While it might seem counterintuitive, spending time on wireframes can actually save time and money in the long run by identifying and solving potential issues early in the design process.
Better Client Communication. Wireframes serve as a great tool for early-stage client presentations. They allow clients to focus on layout and functionality without getting hung up on specific design elements.
Finding the Balance
The good news is that there's no single correct approach to this dilemma. I advocate for wireframing because I've experienced and witnessed firsthand how it can elevate a designer's work. That said, some designers have found success working directly on builders—which is truly admirable—and we encourage them to continue with what works best for them.
An invitation to use our well-loved Wireframe Kit
As always, I find myself creating tools to simplify our web design and development process, including of course, wireframing.
I've built this Wireframe Kit to simulate the drag-and-drop experience of the Squarespace editor, complete with all base elements and sections native to platform. The idea is for you to feel you’re dragging and dropping elements as you would on the editor so you get to familiarize yourself with built-in features and possibilities within the editor itself, and yet still be able to to ideate and design beyond it.
I swear by this Wireframe Kit, and so does hundreds of my students who have built their proudest websites using this as their starting point.
Free for Standout Squarespace members, whether enrolled in the Foundations or Full program. Download this Wireframe Kit in the Knowledge Base.
Final Thoughts on Wireframing
While not strictly necessary, especially given the capabilities of modern website builders, wireframing remains a valuable tool in a web designer's arsenal. I recommend dedicating 2–3 hours wireframing to explore more original layouts and secure client approval before moving on to development.
This process is tried and true—and I say this not just as a personal claim. It's been an honor to witness how this wireframe-to-platform workflow has worked wonders for the many talented web designers and developers in our Standout community.