Two important aspects of UI vs. UX are usability and accessibility. These two define the acceptability of any technology and software in our lives. Companies stress a lot on usability and accessibility features as we rely more on technology. These two give birth to user experience, also denoted by UX, and user interface, expressed by UI. UI and UX are two pillars of successful app development because they make the apps and pages more user-friendly and accessible. Computers, mobiles, electronic gadgets, and home devices all require UI and UX design capabilities for the users. Let’s dig deeper into UI vs. UX.
To eliminate the confusion, first, we need to establish that UI and UX are two different terms with very different meanings and applications. These are often used interchangeably, which is wrong as it changes the meaning and implications of these terms.
What is UX (User Experience) Design?
We commonly talk about the two terms together as they both are an integral part of a product or software and work closely. UX and UI exist harmoniously to deliver systematic meaning to software. Despite their coherence and resonance with one another, they are different. They tend to explain different aspects of the product development process and design.
Goal of UX
UX is a human-first approach to designing software. It encapsulates all aspects of the user’s interaction with the brand, its services, products, and offerings. UX is evident from the name itself that it applies to anything that can generate an experience for a user. It could be for a website, a page, a coffee machine, or a visit to the market. The experience part refers to the interaction and feeling a user gets when he or she interacts with the company in any way. Similarly, UX design accounts for different elements that form the experience. It comprises tasks that are aimed at product optimization and makes the experience effective and enjoyable.
What is UI (User Interface) Design?
The user interface design complements the user experience by giving the app, product, or a part of it a look and feel, the quality of presentation, and interactivity. Some of the aspects of the user interface are akin to graphic design, which is not always true. But to some extent, it does focus on branding design and front-end development. It encompasses all the elements of software responsible for the transference of product development, layout, appearance, responsive design, attractive outlook, and front look. User interface design describes the feel of a digital place and practice in general and demarcates all the visual, apparent, and interactive elements of a product. It may include the layout, which consists of buttons, icons, spacing, logos, imagery, typography, color scheme, font, and responsive design.
Goal of UI
The goal of user interface design is to visually guide a customer or user surfing through the product. It is all about creating a visual appeal and intuitive experience that forces a user to make a decision without thinking too much. UI design plays around with the visual elements, which may attract the user. It tends to strengthen the brand’s visual value and scheme and adds to its visual assets. The UI designers focus on making the product more consistent, visually and aesthetically appealing, coherent, and responsive.
Differences
- If UX deals with the experience of the product, then UI deals with the appearance of the product.
- User experience focuses on detecting and solving user problems, whereas UI emphasizes creating visual value and appeal.
- During the product development process, user experience usually precedes user interface. The graphic designer or the UX designer first maps out the user journey and adds elements to make the journey easier for the user. The UI designer then adds visual and interactive elements to the product.
- User experience is universally applicable to any kind of product or service that generates an adventure, be it digital or physical. On the other hand, the user interface exclusively deals with digital products and their experiences.
Conclusion
The roles of UI vs. UX designs are both integral to any software development or product. No product, app, or experience is ever complete without the involvement of user interface and experience.
