The difference between UX and UI

Gabbie Clemente

Discover the difference between UX and UI and make your product more impactful. Learn how good UX and UI can add value to your digital product and customers.

Design
Published on
February 28, 2023

UX and UI are two of the most commonly used terms in the design world today. But what exactly do they mean? Now, you may be thinking to yourself, ‘Aren't those just fancy acronyms for the same thing?’ And to be honest, we don't blame you. With so many design buzzwords floating around, it can be hard to keep track of what they all mean.

In the world of design and technology, the terms UX and UI are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different aspects of the user experience.

What is UX?  

UX or user experience, is all about understanding how users interact with a product or service, and improving their overall experience with it. This involves considering elements like usability, accessibility, emotion and delight when creating a product, as well as analysing how users interact with it. It's about understanding people's needs and motivations, so that you can create the best possible experience for them.

UX is important because a good user experience can make or break a product. If a product is difficult to use or frustrating to navigate, users are likely to abandon it and look for alternatives. On the other hand, if a product is intuitive and enjoyable to use, users are more likely to become loyal customers and recommend it to others.

What is UI?

UI or user interface design is all about the visual and interactive elements of a product or service – think buttons, menus, navigation bars, and other elements of the product that a user interacts with directly. It focuses on making sure the product looks visually appealing and functions properly from a technical standpoint.

The aim here is to create an intuitive, visually appealing product that's easy to use. In short, UX focuses on the ‘why and what’ while UI focuses on the ‘how’ – how users will actually interact with the product or service you're creating. UI designers make it easier for people to find what they need quickly and efficiently.

How do UX and UI work together?  

UX and UI are two sides of the same coin when it comes to creating a great user experience. A good UX/UI design can make all the difference between a successful project and one that fails to meet customer expectations.  

One example of good UX/UI design is the Apple iPhone. iPhone's UX design is focused on simplicity and ease-of-use. From the home screen to the various apps and features, everything on the iPhone is designed to be intuitive and easy to understand. Its success can be attributed, in part, to its sleek and intuitive user interface, which has been carefully designed to be visually appealing and easy to navigate. As a result, the iPhone has become one of the most popular and beloved products of all time.

The good UX/UI effect

The effect of a good UX//UI design doubles as it not only adds value to your business, but to your customers as well. It’s not simply about making a product or service look good by creating a user-friendly and intuitive design; it’s also about attracting and retaining customers, increasing engagement, and driving sales.

At the end of the day, it is the synergy between UX and UI that creates a winning customer experience. Great UI is useless without a solid UX foundation, and a great UX is not complete without a visually appealing and intuitive UI. By working together, UX and UI designers can create products and services that not only meet, but exceed customer expectations.  

Embracing the Mobile-First Revolution: Why It’s Now or Never for UX Design

Gain valuable insights about why a mobile-first design is key and its transformative influence on shaping user experiences in the modern digital landscape.

Read More
arrow_forward

The Impact of Colour in UI Design: Influencing User Behaviour and Emotions

Explore how colour influences user behaviour and emotions in UI design. Unlock the power of colour psychology for a more engaging digital experience.

Read More
arrow_forward
Get SystemFlow

Bring your vision to life with a Tuncarp team