Talking and trying to explain UX and UI can be frustrating at times because the two are often used interchangeably. One reason for the confusion is that many people aren’t clear on the UX vs UI. And it doesn’t help that both of these job roles are often times, listed under other job descriptions.
Main Difference between UX and UI Design
UX (User Experience) design is the process by which methods to improve user accessibility and usability are implemented in a website’s design. The job of a UX designer is to provide the customer with the best experience possible. Most UX takes place behind the scenes, and it is usually not noticed unless it is done poorly. This normally happens once a visitor to a website asks themselves, “What do I have to do next to complete this task?” In short, UX focuses more on the scientific methods or creating the best user experience by using industry best practices, customer research, and even usability studies to find out what users want and look forward to in a website.
On the other hand, UI (User Interface) is primarily concerned with how a product or website is laid out. It is up to the UI designer to make the website beautiful and fun to use by playing with colors, fonts, button styles, animations, graphics, widgets, and just about every design element that could be made more visually appealing to visitors. In other words, it is the UI designer’s job to enhance the website’s cosmetics or presentation, how it impacts the senses, and to anticipate the user’s reaction.
The Importance of UX and UI
So, what we’ve learned so far is that UI makes the interface beautiful, while UX makes the interface useful. The responsibilities of a UX designer begin with conducting competitive analysis and then developing personas based on those findings. In short, a product that will be of value to your customer. The methods and techniques implemented are continuously validated through testing carried out throughout the product or website’s life cycle.
Once the wireframes and user flows have been tested, it is up to the UI designer to make them aesthetically pleasing. This involves choosing a color scheme that aligns with the website’s theme and brand image. But these interactions are not based on the UI designer’s personal preferences but on the personas developed by the UX designer. Based on the reasons articulated by the UX, the UI designer will implement a visual hierarchy that guides the user, indicating what they need to do and when to do it to meet the desired objectives.
So, which One Comes First?
This is the obvious next question that you would ask. Usually, UX design and research are the first steps in designing a website. The UX designer will handle much of the research that will lead to the initial ideas for the website and will serve as a guide for the product’s development. Once the framework prototype has been largely finalized, the UI designer steps in to begin work on the website’s visual direction. While the UX designer’s tasks come first, that depends on who handles the UX and UI design of your website.
Which one is more important?
UX and UI are both important features of a website’s design, since either, when done poorly, can negatively impact the site. There are many websites that focus on one and not the other, and there are brands that give equal importance to both factors, which ultimately results in an exemplary design and a user-friendly interface.
Ending Note
It is important to note that while UI deals only with interfaces, UX is employed across interfaces, services, and products. UX is a broad field and is growing in popularity not only among businesses in need of a website but also for the development of their products. On the other hand, UI is used solely for interfaces. But that doesn’t mean it is limited to graphical interfaces used on computers, Smartphones, or other handheld devices. The use of UI is also spilling over to other products such as washing machines, vending machines, watches, and ticket kiosks.