UI vs UX Design: What are the Major Differences?

UX and UI are different.

What is UX design?

UX stands for ‘user experience.’ The term User Experience was coined in the 1990s by Don Norman, a reputed cognitive scientist and co-founder of the known Nielsen Norman Group (a design consultancy); he describes UX as.

“User experience encompasses all aspects of the end-users interaction with the company, its services, and its products.”

Despite no mention of digital ways which exist aggressively in present times, Don defines UX in the perfect sense. Even now, after a few decades, the prime essence of UX has remained the same- that UX encompasses (&) all interactions significantly between a potential customer and a company or an online store (or others).

To put it in a final perspective- the user experience narrates how a user feels when they interact closely with a product or a service available. User experience cannot be limited to only ‘physical’ interaction- it primarily points to the ‘collective’ easiness of any product as a ‘whole.’ Sticking to the physical aspect only diminishes the significance and personality of the User Experience.

What is UI design?

UI stands for ‘user interface.’ The user interface predominantly covers the visuals, specifically screens, buttons, and other interactive features a person might interact with in-between their digital journey, such as while browsing a website or an app.

UI is all-about typography, images, and other visually compelling elements that can turn a primary interface into something extraordinary. UI elevates usability and builds an emotional connection between a user and a product- it can be anything ranging from a website to a product.

A user experience (UX) is therefore made up of many user interfaces (UI), which come together in a (hopefully) seamless flow to form a product.

To sum up, a user experience (UX) comprises several tiny user interfaces (UI)- together for a seamless flow to produce a fantastic product suitable for successful delivery.

UI and UX Design- the Key Differences Between Them

Here is an analogy to explain the difference between UI and UX design;

When building a new house, an architect would indulge in the design process. UX would act as the foundation, and UI would include paint and furniture.

Focus: The prime differentiator between UI and UX design is the area of their focus. UI keeps it focused on visual elements visible to a user, such as typography, menu bars, colors, logo, and more. At the same time, the UX focuses on the user and how the design would impact their journey throughout the product experience.

Agreement: Coming to what steps are included in the UI and UX design process, here lies the second key difference. UX commonly deals with market research, testing, and product development, along with covering content and prototyping. On the other hand, UI guides a user through a product’s interface using interactive elements.

Experience: When it comes to experience scenarios. UX design provides a complete experience that, at most times, is broader than just the screen. On the contrary, UI design is designed to surround the visual and information design around the screens.

UX Designer Prime Responsibilities and Tasks

1. To create and evaluate user journeys based on gathered data and insights
2. Dive deep into consumer core needs and understand user behavior
3. Conduct and analyze user research to make sure that all designs meet business requirements
4. To produce vital design deliverables to display user experiences, including creative storyboards, user flows, wireframes, and prototypes
5. Key responsibility to collaborate with partner team to receive feedback and implement design solutions
6. To be in touch with new and popular design trends

UX Designer Skills

Must be an excellent problem-solver and better understand what user experience is and why interactive design matters. Qualification in a design-related discipline (or equivalent work experience)A UX designer should have the skill and expertise to build a professional portfolio. Knowledge of industry-standard UX design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XDBrilliant communication skills and a passion for creative design. Last but not least, the ability to build better relationships

UX vs. UI design: Which is Better?

Both UI and UX matter.

UX and UI- are both valuable skills to master. Both of them play a significant role in the design and development of products.

If you want to become a multi-skilled designer, UI and UX are your keys. If you intend to create a visual representation, you want to expand your design creativity. If you are interested in developing skills in user research, then problem-solving and product architecture must be considered.

UX and UI Design: A Reliable and Potent Combination

Even after decades of utilization- people still ask the debatable question- which is better- UI or UX?

The answer is- both!

UI and UX are vital parts of a product design process. Both roles complement each other well and can be performed by the same designer- which is why you see companies hiring for UI/UX designer roles.

The combination of UI and UX shapes your project's success rate. Both UI and UX are the prime keys behind your entire product experience. There is a high chance of people preferring a complete UI and UX implementation. A better UI and UX product will always receive more engagement and attention.