The Difference Between User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI)
User experience and user interface design are two very essential parts of digital product development. However, these key roles are often not clearly defined, and although they have overlapping skill sets, it's important that a distinction between them is made. But what are the differences between them, and why is this distinction so important?
User Experience Design (UX)
User experience design entails everything involved in a user's interaction with a product. This means that all aspects of a user’s interactions with the product are researched through user testing, storyboarding and wire-framing by a UX designer. It’s their job to ensure these interactions are positive, as well as to guarantee usability, accessibility and quality.
User Interface Design (UI)
User interface design refers to the actual interface of a product. This can include any sort of visual element, such as icons, text, form fields and color. It’s a UI designer’s job to make navigating the interface as intuitive as possible, as well as to make it visually appealing and consistent with the company’s brand.
UI and UX designers often need to work closely together in order to develop a product that is functionally and aesthetically balanced.
Why is this Difference Important?
UX and UI design roles need to be distinguished from one another so that they can integrate seamlessly to create the best possible end product. A great product consists of both a good user interface design and intensive user experience research, so having the right team members for each role can make the world of a difference in increasing customer satisfaction.
A Day in the Life
User experience designers develop their products through extensive market research and user testing, which then feeds into content development. At SRG, our process always starts with the client and their needs. Our team first assembles research through interviewing, design briefs and slide decks.
The next steps involve storyboarding, which then turns into mapping and narrowing down each section of the product. This then condenses down into a wireframe. SRG has a seamless back-and-forth process of teamwork and communication between the UX designer and our clients, which ensures that end products are best of class.
UI designers come into play at the end of the UX designer’s process. This can involve developing style guides for clients so that they can begin to imagine their product. Fonts, colors, layouts, accessibility and product responsiveness are among some of the important aspects that UI designers will take into consideration during this stage.
SRG has a specific, organic agile process that allows for iterations at every stage. Clickable prototypes and high-fidelity mockups by our UI/UX designers help the client to envision their product before the development phase, oftentimes saving time and money.
Finally, front-end and back-end developers jump in and begin developing the product as they work towards MVP. The UI/UX team stays engaged as the software is developed in order to help test functionality and quality of design, making any necessary adjustments along the way.
SRG specializes in healthcare applications and digital platforms. We always have a pragmatic approach in order to provide our clients with top-notch products that can be easily navigated by patients and doctors alike.
