Before we dissect the differences in UX vs UI, first we should figure out what those terms even mean. UX stands for User Experience, and includes design that revolves around creating intuitive, efficient products that are enjoyable to interact with. UI stands for user interface, and is a design that revolves around creating visually appealing and intuitive products that cater to the eye.
Principles OF UX vs UI
Principles of User Experience
A few of the basic principles of UX are as follows:
- Usability - the product should be easy to use and navigate
- Consistency - the product should be consistent with common practice design (i.e. putting the logo in the top of the page as that is the same place consistent placing for most websites) in order to cause a sense of familiarity with users and avoid confusing them.
- Simplicity - The product should remove any unnecessary distractions or complex processes that could confuse or frustrate users.
- Accessibility - The product should be accessible to users with all ranges of physical and cognitive abilities. This includes alternate descriptions, correct HTML element tagging, and other code that allows people with screen-readers and other assistive technology to navigate and experience the website as well as those who don't need assistance.
- Responsive - The product should respond to user interactions with feedback to help them understand what is happening and inform them in their decision making. Visual cues, notifications, and pop-ups are great examples of this concept.
Principles of User Interface
A few of the basic principles of UI are as follows:
- Clarity - UI elements should be clear and easily understood by users. This includes clear language, easily identifiable icons, and clear visuals that communicate information effectively.
- Consistency - There should be consistency in user interactions throughout the design. This helps make interactions intuitive and reduces the brainpower needed to act.
- Whitespace - Incorporating plenty of blank space around UI elements creates a readable and digestible design for users to navigate. Whitespace allows users to focus on the important information without being distracted by visual clutter.
- Scalability - the product should be designed in a way that can grow over-time as more elements and features are added. Planning ahead of time for future expansion with the placement of elements can lead to progress in the future without compromising the integrity of the original design.
- Error-prevention - Anticipating user errors and designing interfaces that prevent those errors from happening is a big part of UI. Ways you can do this include providing clear instructions and feedback to users as they interact with elements and designing elements in a way that guides them towards successful outcomes while preparing for unsuccessful ones. Validation checks and warnings are good examples of this.
Conclusion
UX and UI share a lot of the same basic ideas, and are both centered around creating user-friendly interfaces that provide a good experience for those who interact with it. Here's another article by CareerFoundry with more insight on the topic. With this said, they also have different approaches to this common goal, and are equally important in considering and implementing when designing. If you are looking for design help for your website, feel free to get in touch with us!
