The Difference Between UX and UI

You might have heard of UX (User Experience) or UI (User Interface) while browsing online, but what is it and what’s the difference? They are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different sections of web design.

For anyone involved in the creation of websites, knowing the difference between UX and UI is essential. Let’s learn each term’s definition, the difference and how they’re vital to creating a successful website.

What is UX (User Experience)?

UX refers to a user’s overall experience with a product. It includes everything, from a product’s ease of use to how well it meets the wants and expectations of the user. Although the term is mainly used for digital products like apps and websites, it can also be used for non-digital products. UX design is considered during their entire journey, from their first interaction with the product until they reach their end goals. Common tasks of a UX designer may include:

• Conducting user research to find any goals, needs, behaviours and pain points that can happen with the product
• Creating user personas of their target audience
• Making a user journey map to find out how a customer interacts with a product
• Building wireframes and prototypes of the product, aka, their blueprints for their final design
• Performing user testing to find what can stay and what needs to be changed

What is UI (User Interaction)?

UI refers to the visual aspects when it comes to a digital product. This can include buttons, colours, typography, icons, toggles, layout, etc. When it comes to UI, it’s all about aesthetics and how it can communicate visually with the user.

A UI designer’s job is to create an interface that is pleasing to the eye but is also functional. Creating a consistent, intuitive, and user-friendly interface for the product is their primary goal. They pay close attention to the product’s appearance and feel, making sure that every visual element reflects the brand’s identity and user expectations. Common tasks of a UI designer may include:

• Creating layouts for pages
• Choosing the right colours and fonts
• Designing interactive elements such as buttons, scrollers, drop-down menus, toggles, text fields, etc
• Making high-fidelity wireframes to show the final design

Key Differences of UX/UI

Focus and Objectives

• UX focuses on the experience of the product and the overall feel
• UI focuses on the visual aspects of the product and the overall look

Scope

• UX works behind the scenes, conducting research, strategies, interaction and usability testing
• UI works on the visual aspects that everyone will see, they create visual elements and interactivity on the product

Process

• UX starts from the process by conducting user research, wireframes, prototyping and testing.
• UI takes the lead from here and creates visual elements that the user will interact with

Final Product

• UX results in an effective, efficient and enjoyable product
• UI results in a visually appealing and easy-to-use product

Where does UX/UI fit into the development process?

1. The UX designer and client create goals and objectives to achieve with their product.
2. Once the product has been approved to begin, the UX designer conducts user research for the product.
   This can include looking into relevant existing products, user personas, user behaviour and habits, etc.
3. The UX designer starts to create blueprints for the product. This can include low-fidelity wireframing, prototyping, user flows, etc.
4. The UX designer conducts user testing with interviews and surveys to analyze what should be fixed, changed and additional feedback for the final product.
5. The research is handed over to the UI designer. Using the research, they begin to design the look of the product.
6. The UI designer starts to draft out the visual elements and functions of the product. This can include colours, buttons, icons, animations, typography and more. If the client has branding for their business, the designer will implement that into the design.
7. The UI designer will create interactive, high-fidelity prototypes and use them for another round of testing.
8. The UI designer will hand that over to the developers who will code the final product.

Why are they both equally important?

Although they focus on different aspects, UX and UI are both necessary to the success of a digital product.
Users may be drawn in by a wonderfully designed interface, but they are not likely to stick around if the user experience is unsatisfactory. On the other hand, a product that provides an excellent experience but has a poorly done interface may also fail to pique users’ interest.

Using rollercoasters as an analogy, UX is like a rollercoaster with drops, helixes, and loops. But if it looks rusty, and has boring colours & illustrations, they are not as likely to ride it. UI is a beautifully designed rollercoaster, with perfect illustrations, colours and typography but if it’s slow and has no thrill, they won’t want to ride it as well. To create a successful product that is functional and visually pleasing, both UX and UI must be present to create an enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

For anyone involved in the creation of websites, knowing the difference between UX and UI is essential.
Despite being distinct specialities, they complement one another and collaborate to produce products that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. Businesses and designers should invest in both UX and UI if they want to create a solution that matches the needs of the users and stands out in the competitive marketplace.

As a designer, developer, or business owner, understanding the importance of both UX and UI will help you create more successful and intriguing digital products. This will be profitable and have customers continuing to come back.

If you’d like to learn more about UX/UI and how it can help your website, please book a complimentary discovery call with us.