We are going to discuss a little bit about the differences between UI and UX in this article.
UI, which stands for User Interface, acts as a bridge between users and the visual content on the screens. The screens could range from desktops, laptops, tablets to our mobile phones. UI is more towards tangible and visible design. For example the buttons, scroll bar and even the colour palettes used by the website are also parts of UI.
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UI decides the aesthetic and feel for the website. Either you want your app to be more playful (e.g. A travelling information website), or to be more serious (e.g. Scientific research), UI plays an important role. UI design has also evolved and improved over time as it has to be responsive to different screen sizes. An example would be we are not going to show a huge side bar when the website is displayed on a phone's browser, instead we could hide it with a togglable hamburger menu. In this case, UI designers have to draft out different wireframes and figure out how do they look the best with all the elements on the screen. They will normally create sample pattern library, mood boards and static interface to determine the design of an app.
UX refers to User Experience design, including research, testing, planning etc. UX design cares about how users feel when accessing and navigating through the app. The workflow of UX design (from ideation to the creation of prototype) will be covered in the future articles. This is an example of simple wireframes and the navigation routes for an app:
UX design also involves getting users' feedback (in the early stages of designing phase), and make improvements to the flow. For example, when user clicks on an icon, he or she found out that some important information on the interface is blocked by the popped up modal window. In this case, the layout can be adjusted to optimize the overall experience of our app.
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Top comments (2)
UI/UX focuses on creating rich, visually appealing interfaces that focus on user satisfaction and seamless interactions across devices, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and user-oriented design programs.
Hey there!
If you're diving into UI UX degree course, it's crucial to grasp the foundational principles that make interfaces both functional and delightful. Here are some key principles every developer should keep in mind:
Clarity Over Cleverness: Always prioritize clear, intuitive designs over trying to be overly clever. Users should instantly understand how to navigate your interface without confusion.
Consistency is Key: Maintain uniformity in design elements—like buttons, fonts, and colors—across your application to create a cohesive user experience.
Visual Hierarchy: Organize content in a way that naturally guides the user's eye, emphasizing the most important elements.
Accessibility Matters: Ensure your designs are usable by people of all abilities, incorporating features like screen reader support and keyboard navigation.
Responsive Design: Craft interfaces that provide an optimal viewing experience across a wide range of devices, from desktop monitors to mobile phones.
User Feedback: Incorporate interactive elements that provide feedback, such as button animations or loading indicators, to keep users informed.
Simplicity is Powerful: Avoid unnecessary elements that can clutter the interface. A clean, straightforward design often leads to the best user experience.
If you're considering formal education in this field, pursuing a UI UX degree course can provide structured learning and hands-on experience. For instance, institutions like K.R. Mangalam University
offer specialized programs that delve deep into UI/UX principles, preparing students for real-world challenges.
Hope this helps, and best of luck on your design journey!