Difference between UI and UX: definition of terms
Many designers (among which there are not only beginners) use the phrase “UI / UX design” in their resumes. This combination of terms UI and UX is not entirely true. Why is this so read below.
What is UI
UI – user interface, user interface
Translated from English, UI (user interface) is a user interface. With this interface, the user can interact, that is, to conduct a dialogue with devices, machines, programs. A good example of a user interface is a mobile phone with a display and keys for various functions, a car dashboard with control buttons, etc.
UI is how the user sees and interacts with on the screen. When designing a quality UI, attention is paid not only to the appearance of the interface, but also to its logical structure, so that the user can effortlessly, quickly and easily interact with him and achieve the desired result. In the computer field, the UI developer is faced with the task of creating an interface that provides a simple, understandable and convenient user interaction with the product (program, website, etc.).
But in order to clearly understand how to create a high-quality user interface for a specific product, it is necessary to study the behavior, emotions and reactions of users when interacting with this product, conduct testing, collect data. A person, interacting with any system, experiences sensations and reacts in a certain way during its use. This is called interaction experience, or UX.
What is UX?
UX – interaction experience, user experience
Sensations and reactions that occur to the user when interacting with the product (in our case, these are computer programs, websites, applications, etc.) are called interaction experiences (UX, user experience). UX is what the user feels and remembers as a result of using the program, application or site. UX is taken into account when developing UI, creating an information architecture, usability testing. Having determined the target audience and characteristics of the main user, you can make a list of project requirements.
At the first step, it turns out what expectations and desires the potential users and the customer of the product (program, site, etc.) have. The second step defines the functionality available to users. The next step is to design a site (or another product), develop a structure and navigation that is intuitive for users, and a well thought out layout of all user interface elements. The last step – the appearance, product design, which will be comfortable and pleasant to use.
findings
As you can see, the UI is part of the UX. The goal of both is to improve, simplify, make more convenient. But, although these terms are closely related, they are by no means synonymous. You can have a great UI, but a terrible UX, and vice versa. Designers are mainly involved in UI. The UX branch is studied by other specialists – designers, analysts, marketers. To achieve the maximum result, professional work of specialists from both areas is necessary.
