To reduce this problem, developers and designers follow
something called UI/UX to build a website or an app. The initial
websites had only simple text and hyperlinks that connected many pages,
but that is not the case now. Today, websites have evolved from single
static pages to dynamic and interactive sites that have thousands of
pages. These websites are more complex and need a proper layout and
design that guides the users. But did you know the differences between
UX and UI? (Yes, they are different). If you didn’t know, continue
reading this blog and you will learn:
- What is UX (User Experience)
- Principles and Process of UX
- What is UI (User Interface)
- UI Design Principles and Process
- UX vs UI
What Is User Experience (UX) Design?
User experience is one of the most important aspects of a successful website. It
means the overall experience of the users when they use a website. It talks about
how users can easily find what they are looking for on the website without any
confusion. UX also includes creating a seamless interface by focusing on the users'
needs. Let’s say that you are shopping on an e-commerce website, and the process
from searching for products to placing an order has a lot of steps and confusing
buttons all over the site. It means your experience with the website will be bad.
This is why it is important to consider UX before designing any website.
Principles of UX Design
- User Personas: When creating a website, a UX designer starts by
making
personas of users based on the target audience. This helps them design a
website
as per their behavior and interests, which matches the company goals.
- Information Architecture: This is how the information is organized in
a
website. IA involves planning the structure of various content that appears
on
the website to make it easier for users to find and read through it.
- Usability: Building a website includes focusing on how the users will
be
satisfied with the all the elements. A website that can be used by everyone,
including people with disabilities, will lead to increased user experience.
UX Process
- Research: The UX process starts by collecting data about the target
audience who is actually going to use the website. This information will
help UX
designers understand the real user needs and design the website accordingly.
- Wireframing: In this step, the designer creates a simple outline or a
sketch of the website layout. Next, they add designs in detail and create a
full
structure of where the different elements should be in a website.
- Testing: The UX designer then conducts a proper test to analyze the
usability of the website. A few real users perform tasks and provide
feedback to
the designer about any issues they face while going through the website.
What Is User Interface (UI) Design?
User Interface includes designing a layout for a website or an app with visual
elements that are interactive for users. The UI designer focuses on creating a
website that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also has usability features. It
involves things like icons, buttons, typography, colors, and other design elements
that make the website engaging. Basically, UI can determine the user experience,
which is why it is important to focus on creating a good interface. From the display
to the animation and sound, the website is built on a foundation of user interface
design. Take Spotify for example, they use a consistent color to highlight the songs
on their app and make use of music designs to increase usability.
Principles of UI Design
- Visual Design: The goal of UI is to create visually appealing designs
that work well on the website by engaging the users. Visual elements include
everything on the digital screen, from layouts to typography.
- Consistency: Maintaining a consistent design all over the website is
very important for uniformity. UI designers add brand logos, colors, and
fonts to create a unique identity for their website.
- Interactive Elements: Things like buttons, scroll-triggered designs,
and other interactive elements can keep the users on the website longer than
static design. This guides the users to perform various actions.
UI Process
- Creating Designs: The UI designer focuses on including elements like
typography, colors, etc., across the website as per the needs of the
company.
- Layouts: This step involves arranging the content to help the users
find and understand the website. By creating a layout with proper alignment
of text and images/graphics, they make it easier for users to navigate.
- Collaborating: UI does not work if there is no coordination between
the developers and designers. This is why UI design requires clear
communication and understanding. UI designers can make sure that their
designs can be implemented.
UX vs. UI design
We have seen what UI/UX includes and their processes in detail. Now let’s compare
them:
|
UI |
UX |
| Focus |
Visual and interactive designs. |
Functionality and user satisfaction. |
| Roles |
Creating visual elements and style guides for the interface. |
Conducting user research and creating design flow. |
| End Goal |
A website with a good interface and visual designs and elements.
|
To make sure the website meets the user's needs and is easy to use.
|
| Tools |
Photoshop, AdobeXD, Marvel, InVision, Framer |
Figma, Axure, Sketch, Balsamiq, Hotjar |
Conclusion
UX and UI easily get confused but they have very different roles in the development of a website. User interface and user experience depend on each other to create a user-friendly website or app.
The key takeaway from the blog is that user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are important for creating websites and applications that are not only visually appealing but also functional. This helps users guide through the website smoothly by preventing any confusion and frustration. Understanding UX and UI can improve the overall usability and look.
