People constantly worry about having the best for their company and product. Any person selling a product wants to generate return business and brand loyalty. This includes implementing best practices for two terms that people debate all the time: UX and UI. Is there a difference between the two? Before we can answer this compelling question, we need to define our terms.
Defining the Terms
UX means User Experience and UI means User Interface. That doesn’t really clear things up. So let’s dive deeper into the terms.
UX refers to the product design and the customer’s entire experience with the product, company, and services. This includes tangible objects like shoes or computers—basically anything the customer can experience with the five senses. But UX also includes digital products.
UI approaches the aesthetic design and experience of a product. UI only refers to digital products and how the customer interacts with them.
Is There a Difference?
Yes, there is a difference. The differences may seem small, but they are essential to note. When you focus on the User Experience of a product, you focus on the full experience from the beginning to the end. You are worried about the product’s design and finding solutions to problems with the customer’s interaction with the product or company. The result of good UX is a great product and excellent customer service or company interaction.
User Interface produces a digital product that delights the user aesthetically. UI focuses on points where the user interacts with the product visually. UI designers focus on creating good typography, color palettes, buttons, animations, and imagery.
Why Does it Matter?
Why do you need to know the difference between UX and UI? One reason is if you intend on studying either of these subjects you need to make sure you are studying the right one. You don’t want to waste your time taking courses that were not right for you.
Another reason is to make sure you are asking for the right thing. If you are hiring someone to design or refine a website, you need to know what you’re asking for. If you’re hiring a new employee to work on either UX or UI, you want to make sure they have the skill set you need.
In the End
There are small but significant differences between UX and UI. It is important that you know what they are and do not use these terms interchangeably. That way, you will get the product and employees that you need and want.