People often use UI and UX interchangeably without realizing these two are different terms. Tech experts worldwide usually discuss the UX and UI of a product and website. But what is this secret language they speak?
So, let’s learn about these two concepts from a similar field but still very different.
Table of Contents
UX Design- What is it?
UX design loosely translates to user experience design. It is focused mainly on solving problems that emerge in the user’s journey; on and off-screen. It is linked with all aspects of an end user’s interaction with the product and services of the company.
UX creates the foundation for any digital product. Once designers create this base, they work on the UI design.
UI Design- What is it?
User Interface is anything users interact with when using a digital product in a common language. This includes a wide range of keyboards, touchscreens, lights, and even sounds. It is the appearance, interactivity, and complete outlook of the digital product/ service.
This is linked with the aesthetic elements. Once the foundation is built, colors and style are added.
“People ignore design that ignores people.”— Frank Chimero, Designer and Illustrator
Key Differences – UX Design vs. UI Design
To understand this concept better, let’s think of the human anatomy. The UX design is the organs that optimize the input to support life functions. Bones are the code, and UI design is the body’s cosmetics. It includes the senses, appearance, and reactions.
Let’s Compare
User Interface (UI)
The main aspects of User Interface (UI) are written below;
- UI design is mainly linked to the interface’s presentation.
- UI is all about deciding the colors and visual design of the interface. The designers tailor an attractive outlook and layout. The topography and overall appearance of the digital service/ product are designed.
- UI is only linked to a particular digital asset.
- UI design focuses on artistic aspects
User Experience (UX)
The main aspects of User Experience (UX) are written below;
- UX design plays a part in creating the overall feel of the user’s experience.
- UX is essentially concerned with information architecture and prototypes.
- UX design is implemented first in the digital product development process. It is then followed with UI by adding interactive and pleasing visual elements.
- UX can be extended to any experience, service, and product.
- UX revolves around project management
A UX designer must take care of the following:
- Product strategy
- Content development
- Analysis and iteration
- Competitor’s analysis
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Co-ordination with developers
A UI designer manages the following:
- Design research
- Customer analysis
- UI prototyping
- Graphic development
- Branding
- Interactivity and animation
How are UX and UI Designs Linked?
It is essential to understand that UX and UI go hand in hand. Though both constitute individual roles, they are directed toward achieving a common goal. The UX designer maps out the entire journey; a UI designer closely studies the details.
There is no definite answer to if one is better than the other. If you think of UX being a cake, the UI is the icing. The taste matters, but nobody would buy the cake without the aesthetics and cherry on top.
If you come up with a fantastic app idea, you need a dedicated team to execute it well. A UX designer will take care of the research. They will help you figure out the features you need to incorporate.
Your app will offer something your target audience needs. But if the design is displeasing and the interface layout is inconvenient, what’s the point? A lousy UI would destroy the impact of a good UX.
When it comes to designing a compelling digital product, you need both. user experience and user interface complement each other.
Conclusion
In the world of modern tech, UI and UX can make or break the success of any product. Therefore, it is essential to understand that both rely on each other to maximize the efficiency of a digital product.
A good UI can increase your website’s conversion rate by about 200%, and improving your UX design can bump the speed up by 400% (source: Forrester). Therefore, it is always good to utilize professional UI and UX design services offered by experts for the best results.
