Fri Oct 01 2021
User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different aspects of the design process. While UX design is all about how a user interacts with a product, UI design focuses on the look and feel of the product itself. Despite some overlap, UI and UX design each have their own distinct, unique areas of expertise. In this blog post, we’ll look at the definitions of UX and UI design, what these job roles typically entail, how to choose the right career path, and how you can get started in this highly creative career.
User experience design encompasses all aspects of the end-user’s interaction with the company, its services and products. The term is self-explanatory: UX considers how a user thinks and feels about a product or service and aims to design a solution that fits their unique needs. User experience design is all about creating products that are easy to use and enjoyable for the people who use them. UX designers focus on how a product works and how users interact with it. They seek to create products that are both functional and user-friendly. In order to do this, UX designers must have a deep understanding of human behaviour and psychology. They use this knowledge to design products that are easy for people to use. They also conduct user research to understand their target audience's needs and wants. While there are many design methodologies, UX focuses on the user, addressing topics like:
To gain answers (and solutions) to these usability questions, UX designers will often conduct user research via testing sessions and interviews to determine the best way forward. Note: The umbrella term of “UX design” addresses both specific touchpoints of the user experience (like an individual menu link that isn’t working) and the interaction design flow as a whole.
User interface design, on the other hand, focuses on the visual elements of product interfaces. UI designers are responsible for everything from color palettes and typography to fine-tuning the layout and overall aesthetic. Because of this focus on incorporating aesthetics with usability, UI designers must have a strong understanding of visual design principles. They use this knowledge to create visually appealing products that are easy and enjoyable to use, reduce cognitive load, and establish consistency within the visual elements of the product. Ironically, although it refers to what you can see and where you interact with a product, UI design is virtually invisible when done well: every button, link, and image works together to lead the user from point A to point B—no extra thought or analysis is needed.