What is the purpose of creating wireframes in the design process of an app or website?

The purpose of creating wireframes in the design process of an app or website is multi-fold:

1. Clarify the features and functionality: Wireframes help to define and plan the functionality of the app or website. They provide a clear picture of the elements that need to be included, which helps in understanding how the user will interact with the interface.

2. Visualize the structure and layout: Wireframes serve as a blueprint for the layout of the app or website. They help in visualizing the structure of the pages, the placement of elements, and the navigation between different screens or pages.

3. Facilitate communication: Wireframes are a great communication tool between designers, developers, and stakeholders. They help in conveying the design ideas and decisions clearly, thereby reducing misunderstandings and confusions.

4. Save time and effort: By creating wireframes, designers can experiment with different layout options and make changes easily before moving to high-fidelity designs. This saves a lot of time and effort in the later stages of the design process.

5. User testing: Wireframes can be used for early user testing. They can help in identifying usability issues and getting user feedback at an early stage, which can be incorporated into the design before it's fully developed.