What is a wireframe in web design?

A wireframe in web design serves as a blueprint or abstract visual representation of a website's layout and structure. It focuses on the arrangement of elements such as navigation, content, and functionality without the distraction of design elements like colors or graphics. This allows designers and stakeholders to concentrate on the basic structure and logical flow of the site, which is essential for effective planning and communication during the design process.

By clearly outlining where each component will be placed, a wireframe helps ensure that everyone involved in the project understands how the site will function. It also serves as a foundational tool for creating more detailed designs later on, which will incorporate visual design aspects like color schemes and images. Other options, while they may relate to aspects of web design, do not accurately define the concept of a wireframe. For example, a detailed design plan would encompass more than just a layout, and user flows explicitly outline interactions rather than the structural design of the site.