UI and UX are terms that stand for themselves yet are closely intertwined. That is why user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are often confused, mixed up, or even used synonymously. To shed some light, we explain the differences and special features of UI and UX.
They shape your experience with a website or a product: You may have already stumbled across UX, UI, or synonyms in web design. Both contribute to the user experience but are responsible for different things. Because of this, they are easily mixed up and vaguely defined or misused. UX design isn’t just for the web; it can be applied in various ways, including physical products. To explore professional services provided by experts in UX and UI design, click here for more details.
What is the user interface (UI)?
What we see can be experienced. Everything you can first notice about a website is the user interface. A few seconds decide whether users understand the website or the app.
Designers in the UI areas have the task of designing the interface between user and product. Which colors, shapes, fonts, buttons, and functions are recognizable at first glance? Voice interfaces are now also part of it since systems such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are often integrated into everyday life.
There are guidelines for designing user interfaces, for example, the material design from Google Material. Graphic specifications for creating components (i.e., all things you see and operate) are listed there; from the contact form to the menu in an app.
There are also other design languages that can be used. Consistent implementation throughout the design process is also important here. As is usual in the design world, standards and styles also evolve – so UI designers should always keep an eye on further developments and trends.
What is User Experience (UX)?
Good UX design is required for a positive user experience. What precisely does it mean? You’ve undoubtedly been to a website where you.
A: you were completely overwhelmed by the wealth of information and didn’t find what you were looking for;
B: have received unclear instructions on how to proceed – for example, in a purchase process;
C: The website was not readable with your smartphone.
Congratulations, you had a bad UX design experience there! Even if it looks easy in the end: A lot of analytical field research is necessary for an optimal user experience.
For example:
● Which target group do I serve, and what is their user behavior?
● Are there any existing experiences of users that can be reflected on?
● What exactly should be made tangible and explained (clarify the facts)
● What is my goal, and what interaction is desired (purchase, contact, or pure information transfer)
● Which structure is based on your interaction (how do you react during use? Do you find the information you are looking for, is the navigation structured logically and understandably? Do you know where you are at all times, or do you get lost in a flood of information? As a user, are you satisfied with the experience you are having? A sense of achievement is crucial to evaluate the product/website as positive.)
The whole process is presented in 5 simple steps:
- UX design (goals, users, research, analysis)
- Creation of wireframes (blueprint for the rough structure taking into account the results from the analyses)
- Mockups/clickable prototypes (this is where the UI design of the interface comes into play)
- Usability testing
- Release
It should be noted that none of these steps is completed individually but represents a flowing process.
Conclusion
UX design is one of the important factors in the creation process. It is not enough to make an application or a website appealing if the user gives up in frustration because the interaction and thus the user experience is sub-par. Conversely, selling your product with a good UX design and a desirable user interface is still possible.
Sometimes the biggest task is a challenge, but the main goal is to present complex issues as simply and clearly as possible. Interplay of UI and UX design is essential so that your brand presents itself in the best possible way.
We look forward to advising you at Agility CMS.
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