A layman would have thought UX and UI mean the same. These terms may be used interchangeably but they are very different in meaning. To find out more about UI and UX design services,let’s start with what the two mean.
UX means user experience whereas UI means user interface. Both these elements are critical to a digital product. Both refer to two different development processes and design disciplines.
What is UX Design?
UX design is the way of designing a product. It includes all aspects of the interaction of the user with a company, its products, or services. So basically, UX applies to anything and everything that can be experienced. It doesn’t have to be a website, it can even be your visit to the grocery store. Your interaction between the product and service is what UX refers to.
In design, UX includes all elements that shape this experience. UX experts in UX design services have to think about how this experience would make a user feel. They are also responsible for making a task easier to accomplish. For instance, how easy it is to add a product in the cart when online shopping. In short, the purpose is to create a convenient, efficient, and relevant experience for the user.
One important thing to mention here is that UX design is not about visuals. It’s about the feel of the experience.
What is UI Design?
User interface refers to the look feel and presentation of a digital product. It is the point of interaction between the user and the product. For instance, the touchscreen of your iPad is the interface.
In terms of design, UI includes not just the look of the product but its feel and interactivity. The key is to ensure that the interface of the product is intuitive for the end-user. Here, the UI designer plays a critical role in placing icons in the right place, using typography, the right color scheme, images, and spacing to make the interface interactive.
While UX design services are unique too, UI design is a challenging role. Thedesigner’s job is to create such a layout that is attractive and provides a responsive user experience. UI transfers the strength of a brand and visual assets to the interface of the product. The job of the designer is to ensure that the UI is consistent, coherent, and visually appealing.
UI Vs UX Design Services – The Main Differences
Now let’s look into the differences between the two. To understand them, let’stake ananalogy.
Consider a digital product and compare it with the human body. The bones are the code that gives it a structure. Then comes organs. These are the UX design which is the supporting life functions. UI is the outer appearance of the body i.e. the cosmetics.
Another important aspect of UX and UI is that the two go hand-in-hand. One cannot live without the other. However, the two have major differences as well. UX design is about the overall feel of the experience. The UI design, on the other hand, is all about the interfaces, appear and function of the product.
The one offering UX design services considers the whole user journey for solving one problem. They must conductextensive research to find more about their target user, understand their needs in relation to the product, etc. after this, they are supposed to map out the journey of the user. This helps them in organizing the content and adding features a customer or end-user might like. They also design wireframesthat serve as the blueprint for the product.
Once the skeleton is ready, then comes the job of a UI designer to bring the idea to life. The designer is responsible for the visuals of the product. They also take into account the visual journey of the user such as how they will interact with the product, scroll down a page, and tap on a button, etc. the role of the UI designer is to focus on the nitty-gritty details to create a successful user journey.
UI is not about looks. It has a huge role to play in regards to whether or not a product is going to be accessible. The designer will use different color combinations for creating a visually appealing interface and enhance the readability of the content.
A Controversial Belief
You will find such experts in the industry too who believe that there are no differences between UX and UI. Why? Because they believe the two are incomparable. They say it is similar to asking what is the difference between yellow acrylic paint and the raw materials required to make that paint. You can’t compare the two can you because they aren’t even related.
Just like that. User experience is made of different components and the user interface is made of different components. If UI is the icing on a cake, UX is the reason the cake is being served to begin with. User experience is the reason why people choose to eat cake over a hot dog.
To some extent, this belief is true and the above comparison validates that.
How Do They Blend Together?
We have looked at the differences between UI and UX design services. Now let’s look into how the two blends in together. Both are equally important.
If the UI is good but the UX is poor, it will drive visitors away and vice versa. In product design, UX and UI complement one another. Getting both of them right is critical to survival. That’s why when choosing a UX designer or a UI designer, it’s good to hire one who understands both industries well. After all, they will be working together.
Summing Up
It’s pretty clear now how UI and UX design services differ and how the two are pertinent to make your digital product success. This information will help you make the right decision when choosing a designer for UI and UX for your digital product.
Good luck in your hunt!
