UX and UI: What’s the difference?

Before you can learn the difference between UX and UI, you have to know what each acronym stands for first. UX stands for User Experience. According to scientist Don Norman, “‘User experience’ encompasses all aspects of the end user’s interaction with the company, its services, and its products.”

On the other hand, UI, also known as User Interface, is defined as the means by which the user and a computer system interact; in particular, the use of input devices and software. Now that you know the definition of both UX and UI, it’s time to answer the question: what’s the difference between the two?

UX is focused on the problem-solving process while UI is focused on how a product or interface functions and looks like.

UX pertains to the human side of the experience. It’s connected with behavior. You can say that UX refers to emotions, customer preferences and the psychological response of customers or the user to your service, product or website. On the other hand, UI is more focused on the visual aspects of a product, website or service. It is what you see on the screen: the buttons, the colors, the widgets and the layout. UI is considered as a medium that allows a user to interact with your product. UI is not the product itself, but it’s a bridge or a gateway to your product or service.  

UI is a fraction of UX.

One important detail to take note of is that though both UX and UI are different, UI is a part of UX. As mentioned previously, UX is an umbrella of all aspects of the end user’s interaction with the product, interface, services and the company itself.

What’s the big deal?

It’s critical for a business to properly establish and recognize the difference between UX and UI. This will help companies in preventing overlaps of jobs. This will also assist companies in improving their hiring process and hiring the right people for the job especially when it comes to online business and e-commerce. Not knowing the difference between UX and UI may lead to disastrous results. Imagine your UI that’s not in coordination or in harmony with your UX. This type of relationship will not work. It’s like two people rowing a boat in two different locations. What you need is a balance between UX and UI for your business to reach its goals.

Both UI and UX are critical to online business success, and it’s essential for companies to use this to their advantage by hiring people who are skilled in the field of UI and UX. One alternative for businesses is to contact staffing agencies or virtual assistant companies to hire virtual assistants competent in the field of UX and UI. Once you have the proper manpower to run your business plan, you can then expect an increase in website hits, as a balanced UX and UI can turn first-time visitors to repeat customers. When this happens, expect a boost in customer satisfaction and eventually an increase in sales as well.