As the world of design evolves, it is important to understand the difference between User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX). Many people still confuse the two, but they are actually very different from each other. If you are looking to learn web design, it is crucial to differentiate between UI and UX to focus on developing the skills and knowledge required in the field.
Before discussing the differences between UI and UX, it is essential to understand what they are. UX is the process of designing a product using a user-centered approach. This approach helps create a product that is tailored to the needs and desires of the user. A product with good UX design will provide an enjoyable experience for the user, making it easy to use and navigate.
UX design includes the features of the product, the overall design structure, product navigation, visual design aspects, and all user interactions. It also influences the branding and content that are appropriate for the product.
On the other hand, UI is a part of UX in the form of visual design. The UI allows users to connect and interact with a product visually. It not only acts as a connection point but also enhances the visual appeal of the product.
The UI includes buttons, icons, typography, themes, layout, and any other visual interactive components in the product. All of these components are designed with a focus on both aesthetics and user convenience. Thus, the user can enjoy the product with a sense of satisfaction.
Now let’s delve into the difference between UI and UX.
1. Purpose
The first difference is related to the design’s purpose. The focus of each design is very different. UI design focuses on beautifying the appearance of the product. On the other hand, UX design focuses on creating a pleasant experience for the user when using the product. The main focus of UI design is on the visual appearance, while UX design is on user satisfaction when using the product.
The UI design will affect the first impression when the user sees the product. In contrast, UX design will affect how the user experiences the product.
2. Process
The next difference is in the design process. The UX design process is based on user research, creating a product that is liked and needed by the target user. Meanwhile, the UI design process requires design research to produce an attractive and suitable design concept. The UI design process often needs to design a visual mockup.
3. Tools
Since the design process is different, the required tools are also different. UI design requires tools for creating beautiful images, such as Flinto, Principle, Frames X, Adobe Illustrator, and others. On the other hand, UX design requires a prototyping application to obtain feedback from users. The application can be in the form of Sketch, InVision, Figma, Adobe XD, Axure, and other similar applications.
4. Skill
Another way to differentiate between UI and UX is the required skills. A UI designer should be proficient in visual design. In contrast, a UX designer must master user research, human-computer interaction, and information architecture.
By understanding the difference between UI and UX, designers can create products that not only look good, but also provide an optimal user experience.
