You may have heard either “UI” or “UX” being tossed around in a meeting or a conversation at the office. And while there are differences between them, they are still two interdependent terms. So what exactly is UI and UX, how do they differ, and how do they work together? Let’s dig our teeth into this topic.
UI: User Interface
User Interface refers to visual elements that someone interacts with when using a website, app, or other electronic device. Some of these visual elements include screens, buttons, toggles, icons, colour, and typography.
Main goals of UI:
- Visual appeal
- Easy to navigate
- Interactivity and animation
UI is a process that is exclusively for digital products. Good UI is all about creating a digital experience that is aesthetically pleasing and is intuitive for the user – meaning they don’t have to think too much and the interaction is seamless!
“UI is the interior design of the house, adding visual elements and functional furnishings.”
Figure 1: Geeking out on colour palettes. Here’s a free form gradient created from Sland’s brand colours! We want to make sure things look pretty.
UX: User Experience
User Experience refers to the whole interaction someone will have with a product including how they feel about the interaction. UX takes into account the full experience from a user’s first interaction to the last.
Main goals of UX:
- Functionality
- Accessibility
- Overall enjoyable experience
UX is not just seen in the tech world, but in everyday use too. Your go-to air fryer? That was designed by a team who went through an extensive UX process to make that favourite kitchen appliance what it is today. In terms of what Sland does, our UX process focuses on understanding the user’s needs, their journey flow on a website, and creating sitemaps and wireframes that not only represent our client’s, but help create seamless interactions for the user. Sorry, there is no Sland branded air fryer… yet.
“UX is the architecture of the house, considering the structure and layout.”
Figure 2: Often we take things into our own hands. Literally. With pen and paper, we will conceptualize the UX process with brain dumps and messy notes.
How UI and UX are Interdependent
When it comes to creating digital products, UI and UX really go hand in hand. You can’t exactly have one without having the other. Both aspects are needed to create an overall memorable experience for the user.
Great websites need expertise from the two. Yes, you could have a product that is visually stunning, but if it doesn’t function properly, it will leave the user frustrated. Or you could have great structure for a product, but if it lacks any design appeal, it will leave a user uninterested. The combination of these two can really shape the entire experience of what is being offered.
Figure 3: When two great world’s collide for digital success.
Interested in working with Sland on a UI/UX project?