The umbrella term web design is divided into two terms: user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). These terms are used interchangeably, although they are different from each other in terms of their purposes and definition. Designers must be well aware of the differences so they can establish general web development knowledge, honour applicable skills, and break into UX/UI design fields.
In this blog, we will discuss the difference between UX and UI and how they work in the design industry.
What is UX design?
User experience (UX) is the process of designing a product or service that is fun and easy to use. It is the process of creating products or services that provide users with meaningful experiences involving many different areas of product development, including branding, usability, function, and design. The main goal of UX design is to build a positive interaction with a product or service. No matter if the interaction is solving a problem, providing entertainment, or helping users find critical information. The experience will leave the user fulfilled.
What is UI design?
On the other hand, UI design is the actual interface that is used to engage the audience. This process might include buttons or widgets, text images, sliders, and other interactive elements. It ensures that every visual element, transition, and animation of the product or service is paving the way for a positive experience.
The difference between UI and UX
Since both terms fall under the web design service, they often work closely with each other. Commonly, designers often confuse them. There is sometimes an overlap between the two roles, let’s consider the several key differences that need to be taken into account:
Look vs. Feel
Both UI and UX play different roles in a product’s development. UI is connected with the look of the product, mostly the visual components and interactive elements that help in building a strong user experience. Meanwhile, UX design focuses on the overarching feel of the product or service and the components that might lead to a meaningful, relevant experience for the users.
Design vs. Prototyping
UX and UI might be working on the same product, but both of them have different duties and roles. UX designers work on creating structures and testable patterns that can form the basic structure of a website or service’s user flow. On the other hand, UI designers finalize the products and designs that are driven by user engagement.
High-level vs. Details
The last difference between UI and UX design is the amount of detail that goes with each work. The UI designer’s role is to work on web pages, designing buttons and interactions that are functional and engaging to users. In contrast with this, UX designers take a more high-level view of a product or service, making sure the collective user flow of a site, service, or app is fully realized and consistent.
How does UX and UI design work together?
The workings of both designs can best be explained by an example. For instance, you might have visited a beautiful website that is filled with striking illustrations and the perfect balance of typography. All these colors, images, and buttons you see creating an impressive expression are the UI. Now, you have added the products from this website. You are checking out and submitting your order. The website loads, and your cart displays the symbol of being empty. No confirmation message that your order was placed successfully or vice versa. You keep on trying and end up successfully placing your order. What do you see? Multiple receipts are waiting for you in the inbox. This is bad UX.
Now, let’s see how each of the designers works.
Task and responsibilities: what role do both play?
Both UI and UX designers have an important role in the product development cycle. Let’s learn about each designer’s role.
UX designers
These designers focus their work on the experience a user has with a product. The job of these designers is to prepare a product that is functional, accessible, and enjoyable for the users to use. Although the term UX is often found in digital products, it can also be applied to non-digital products and services. Some of the common tasks that a UX designer might work on include:
- Conducting user research to identify any goals, needs, behaviours, and main points that are involved with a product interaction.
- Developing user personas based on the target customers.
- Conducting user testing to check the authenticity of the design and identify problems
- Work with stakeholders, UI designers, and developers.
UI designers
These designers are responsible for creating graphical portions of mobile apps, websites, and devices. For instance, if you are located in Ireland and looking for a service like an Irish logo design service or something similar, they will help you finalize an appealing logo for your brand. These companies are directly linked to the users’ interactions.
This term is only limited to digital products. A UI designer seeks to make apps and websites that are both visually appealing and easy to navigate. Some of the common roles of UI designers include:
- Organizing page layouts
- Choosing color palettes and fonts
- Working closely with the developers to convert designs into a working product.
What is the difference between exploring the field of UX and UI design?
The role of UX design is to cover the overall feel of the experience. On the other hand, UI designs are more about the way the product is laid out.
What is the difference between UX, UI, and web design?
Web design is the umbrella term under which UI and UX fall. UX design involves the process by which a product is built, making it useful, easy, and enjoyable for people so they can use it. Whereas UX includes every interaction a user has with a product or service and optimizes it.
Is there more scope for becoming a UI or UX designer?
If you are among those who love to decide the overall layout, size, and color animation part and present it with your creative skills, then becoming a UI designer is the best option. If the scope is taken into account, then these days, companies try to hire a single person who is both a UX and UI expert, and you have the option to choose both.
Does UI/UX need coding skills?
If you don’t have skills in coding, you can still opt for these designer courses. But those who have this expertise have an edge over it. It depends on the hiring companies to check if their coding skills are beneficial to the company.
The final words
You must have an understanding of both UI and UX designs if you want to work in the field. However, you must have specialized skills in the kind of work you are more inclined towards. Design skills are essential in both fields. However, UI design is more design-focused and offers a great opportunity for artistic individuals. UX design is a great option for someone who is more into solving problems and implementing creative solutions.