5 Planes

The 5 Planes of UX—Strategy, Scope, Structure, Skeleton, and Surface—form a layered framework for user experience design. Conceptualized by Jesse James Garrett, these planes guide the design process from abstract goals to tangible interface decisions. Each plane builds on the one below it, ensuring that design decisions are grounded in user needs and business objectives.

Expanded Definition

The 5 Planes represent a comprehensive framework for designing and developing user-centered products. Each plane corresponds to a distinct aspect of the user experience, progressing from foundational considerations to the final visual presentation.

By moving through these planes in sequence, designers ensure that the product is not only visually appealing but also well-thought-out, functional, and aligned with overall goals. It’s like crafting a journey: you start with a purpose, chart the route, map the details, sketch the layout, and finally add the aesthetic touches.

Plane-by-Plane Breakdown with Analogies

1. Strategy Plane

• What it is: The big picture plan that defines user needs and business goals.
• Imagine it like: Setting goals and deciding the overall approach before diving into details.
• Example: Planning a road trip by deciding on the destinations and the overall route.
• Key Questions:
  • What are users trying to achieve?
  • What is the business objective?
  • What value does the product deliver?
• Activities:
  User research, stakeholder interviews, defining goals and success metrics.

2. Scope Plane

• What it is: Defining the boundaries and features of the product.
• Imagine it like: Outlining what’s in and what’s out in your project.
• Example: Deciding which cities to visit and which ones to skip on your road trip.
• Key Questions:
  • What features and content are essential?
  • What user needs must be met?
  • What are the technical limitations?
• Activities: Requirements gathering, feature prioritization, content planning.

3. Structure Plane

• What it is: Organizing information and user interactions.
• Imagine it like: Creating a blueprint for your project.
• Example: Planning the order of visits to cities and attractions on your road trip.
• Key Questions:
  • How will users move through the experience?
  • How is the information structured?
  • What’s the logical flow?
• Activities: Information architecture, user flows, interaction design.

4. Skeleton Plane

• What it is: Designing the interface layout and interaction paths.
• Imagine it like: Building a rough model or prototype.
• Example: Sketching a basic map and itinerary for your road trip.
• Key Questions:
  • Where should UI elements go?
  • How should navigation work?
  • What’s the hierarchy of information?
• Activities: Wireframing, interface layout, navigation design, prototyping.

5. Surface Plane

• What it is: The final visual layer of the product.
• Imagine it like: Applying the finishing touches.
• Example: Choosing the color scheme, fonts, and visual details for your road trip plan.
• Key Questions:
  • What does the user see and feel?
  • Are the visuals aligned with the brand?
  • Is the interface aesthetically pleasing and accessible?
• Activities: Visual design, branding, UI polish, content styling.

Why the 5 Planes Matter in UX

• Holistic Planning: Encourages a complete view of the product, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
• Progressive Design Thinking: Moves from abstract strategy to concrete design, reducing the risk of misaligned decisions.
• Enhanced Team Communication: Provides a shared vocabulary and structure across teams (UX, UI, dev, stakeholders).
• User-Centered Outcomes: Ensures that every layer is designed with the user in mind, leading to better usability and satisfaction.

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