UI vs UX is one of the most common debates that seem to always puzzle freshers regarding web and app design. The terms are more often used together to refer to different things in separate ways but work together in the interest of building highly successful digital products.
Let’s break down the main differences between UI and UX and why every designer should understand them both.
Table of Contents
What Is UI (User Interface)?
UI is how users would refer to the interaction with a website, app, or other digital platforms; it alludes to the visual elements that show themselves in the form of buttons, icons, menus, typography, and for that matter, the “look and feel” quality of a product. A proper UI enhances user interaction by making visible appeal and ease of navigation.
For instance, imagine your favorite app. The buttons, the colors, and even the fonts in its design form part of its UI. When the UI is clear and consistent, that makes it easier for users to use the app and can really boost their experience.
What is UX?
On the other hand, UX design is about the general experience that a user will have with a product. This ranges from usability to generating emotions in the users. UX designers work on enhancing the usability, accessibility, and flow of interaction of a product.
A smooth, pain-free UX keeps ’em coming back for more. Consider what happens when an app just navigates intuitively, and you can do what you want with ease: that’s good UX. Even the most beautiful-looking UI means very little if the actual user experience is clunky or frustrating.
UI vs UX: The Key Difference
While UI and UX go together, some obvious differences distinguish them from each other:
| UI – User Interface | UX-User Experience |
| Visual elements of color, typography, and icons | used overall experience and usability of the product |
| Focus on look and presentation | Focuses on functionality and ease of use |
| More towards the surface-level design | Deals with structural and emotional design. |
In other words, UI is the look of the product, while UX is the functionality. A well-rounded product has the right mix of both.
Hint: Sometimes, designers say, “UI is what you see, and UX is what you feel.” They both have to excel for an awesome product.
Why Designers Should Care About Both UI and UX
In the present context of digital space, either UI or UX alone would not serve the purpose. A pretty-looking interface with a bad user experience frustrates and bounces off. A great UX but poorly designed UI may confuse users.
Understanding the differentiation of UI and UX will help a designer come up with products that are not only brilliant to the eyes but also easy to use. This is the key ingredient in developing products users will love.
How UI and UX Work Together
The UI and UX of an effectively designed product are inextricably intertwined. For example, a UI designer might design an attractive button. The UX designer ensures that the button is positioned in a place where users intuitively would look for it.
Where great UI and UX unite, this would be a product that is just as beautiful as functional to serve the interests of a pleasing effective user experience.
Closing Thoughts
UI and UX are the two design aspects that must go hand in hand, and thus, it would be highly important for any designer to make them aware of the differences that set them apart for success.
While UI is all about the looks, UX is the substance of why users will enjoy the interaction. Mastering both will make you different from the crowd.
Read more blogs…
