In a world full of unprotected job titles, misused technical terms and buzzwords fly through meetings and the web. For example, UI (user interface) is equated or confused with UX (user experience).
However, both the UI and UX are decisive factors when it comes to how a website, app, or product is perceived by users and – subsequently – whether such a website, etc. fulfills its intended purpose.
Today, however, UX is being used so often that as a specialist you have to be careful not to put it in your mouth so as not to look like the last of the rattles.
But there is a difference. And if there is, which is the most important? Should you learn UI or UX first? Should you integrate UI or UX first?
To be blunt, UX comes first when it comes to web design. But what’s the difference and why is the user experience so important? This is all this article is about! So, continue reading to get the full details.
Differences between UX/UI Design
Nowadays, thanks to advances in neuromarketing and consumer psychology, subjects on invasive and persuasive advertising are now replaced by techniques which are more oriented to the experience of the user.
The theory is founded on the premises that the clients should be very comfortable within your web portal thanks to captivating UX and UI designs.
On the internet, you have large numbers of pages as well as online stores which offer same products you offer. For this reason, the impression your site leaves on its users can set you apart from your competitors and make you their first option.
To get this objective, your web design and programming must generate an impression of professionalism and simplicity in the service receiver or user. This is exactly what the modern user is looking for – the benefit of simplicity.
By ensuring the integration of elements of UX and UI design, you’ll have better relationships with your various customers. Most importantly, you will be able to influence their purchase decisions or positive responses to CTAs to your products.
What is UX Design?
User Experience is the type of design that makes the overall experience of your customers pleasant. This is achieved through features that improve the usability and functionality of your website or application.
UX design is all about the interaction of your users with the page. It’s about making the visit very fluid so that each visit leads to a sale or the achievement of your goal.
The more the customer feels satisfied, the lower your bounce rate will be, and the more the chances of your users returning will be.
Having a website with a good user experience is simple. You need to ensure there are:
- no complex menu
- no excessive buttons or clicks to make
- speed
- no irrelevant sections
- no effects that produce a feeling of overwhelm or confusion.
How the content or CTAs are presented also have a significant influence. If the website’s fonts are not well organized, they can result in the users closing the window because of confusion or laziness.
You cannot afford to create a complex design. The moment they hit your landing page, they may feel overwhelmed. They will therefore want to exit your “virtual headquarters” immediately.
So, you see it’s probably the most important design need and should be worked upon as soon as the website is ready for user visits. And now that you know the essence of UX design, let’s analyze UI design. Since they are complementary, therefore, they have related characteristics.
What is UI Design?
UX design is all about the interface (how your website’s interior looks. It manages the personal style or branding of your page. It simply gives professionalism to your page.
The user interface is mainly the visual phase for your customer. In a nutshell: The user interface deals with the design of the surface of an app, a website, or your favorite program.
A UI designer will work on the navigation bars, sidebars, pages, icons, and input fields. Analogically, he takes care of the facade of the house, which windows are used, what the doors look like, and which flooring should be laid.
What are the differences between UX and UI designs?
The biggest difference among these types of designs is that the UI is all about creating a visual interface. Here, we are dealing with the website’s artifact itself, while not including other features which could affect the decision the customer/user(s) make.
Meanwhile, the user experience design ensures functionality and good interaction with the customer. It seeks to satisfy their needs. The user interface design is all about styles and identity, and the UX takes care of the process related to user interactions.
UX and UI Design: The Main Features
1. User Experience
The UX design phase is all about using logical and analytical thinking to generate a clear information structure which relates to the:
- User needs
- Device accessibility
- Context interaction
- Speed
2. User interface
The interface seeks to convey an environment that is visually attractive and is supported with elements like:
- The brand messages
- Creativity
- The fonts
- Multimedia content
- Color palette
Why UX comes first: Form follows function!
Here is the detailed answer on which to apply first: UI or UX? “Form Follows Function” is the principle! An interface can only become “beautiful” through successful usability (UX). So UX always comes first.
It is only logical that UI design deals rudimentarily with usability or software ergonomics. Aesthetics are useless if the interface is not easy to use.
The user experience is more strategic. It’s about putting yourself in the shoes of the users and asking: how do I feel when using the website, product, or app?
A good example of a good user experience is with Apple. There are hardly any frustrating moments when using its devices and software.
The user experience is also related to the information architecture – i.e. how information can be presented on a website, for example.
Applications that have “intuitive” operation – the supposed accolade of good design – automatically have a good user experience. The user simply feels comfortable while using the interface.
At the UX level, the user decides whether it is a high-rise building or a rental apartment. Is the inside tidy? Is it a glass or steel-concrete construction that is supposed to trigger a WOW effect in the foyer with a fountain?
The user experience is the summation of UI design, information architecture, the use of heuristics, and good usability. The better the individual parts have been implemented, the higher the overall user experience.
Some UX/UI design tricks to make your page more attractive
The overall UX/UI design is key to achieving a functional, attractive, and successful website. If you want to know how to improve these aspects to increase the chances of retaining and enchanting users, these tricks will help you.
1. Don’t overload the visual design
You must take great care of that first impact that is generated on the user. Therefore, the visual design should be as clean as possible, without overcrowding. Do not add too many elements or banners, especially if they do not contribute much. You must seek visual harmony so that users feel comfortable navigating the page.
2. Include an optimized search engine
If your website doesn’t have one yet, it is recommended that you include it. Thanks to Google, users have become accustomed to browsing based on searches. The search engine will allow users to access content more quickly and easily. Therefore, having this element will greatly improve the UX/UI design of your page.
3. Avoid ambiguous forms
Sometimes we find pages with elements that seem clickable and are not really. While others that are, may not be so clear. For the UX/UI design to be optimized, you must put this in order.
Everything that is expected to be clickable must appear to be clickable. The users should not be confused but must be able to know exactly which elements of the web they can interact with.
Conclusion
Design solves problems – whether at the level of the interface or the level of the user experience. However, the user experience should always come first. The goal of good design is not to produce “fine art”, but to find practical answers to virtual (communication) problems between users and the digital world.
Both types of designs work in the favor of the web portal so it can arouse curiosity, attract visits, and achieve greater sales. By having good UI and UX designs, you will be able to stand out more easily with the search engines so you can have successful digital channel projects with SEM and SEO.
However, if your site lacks quality UX and UI designs, you will get fleeting visits. And this will reflect negatively on your positioning and analytics.
The idea of optimizing the designs of the web page is not just to have a magnetic effect whereby you can only attract visitors while not retaining them. The goal is to design a charming website that will keep your users and customers satisfied.