UX has started to become a household term, but it is still the case that 45% of American companies do not hire in-house UX teams. Some of this is due to the company contracting external work. Yet, a good number of American offices are still not aware of the difference between UX vs UI when it comes to developing products.

Over the following pages, you will find information on how to determine the differences. You will also get an introduction to concepts to help you decide whether or not you think UX is something you need.

First Things First: UX vs UI

At its most elementary level, the difference between UI and UX is that they refer to different parts of the human-computer interaction. The UI refers to the product and how a device presents itself to the user. The UX, on the other hand, is a more complex process involving the mental state of the user as well as how they react to every part of the experience.

For example, a UI designer would focus on the look and mechanics of a particular page. This may include art and design, focusing on how to make the interface seem clear. This does not only focus on the visuals but also the sound and any feedback, including device vibrations.

The UX would investigate how to ensure a user gains the most understanding of what the whole experience entails. UX designers ensure that if a user intends to perform a specific action, they are not bottlenecked and do not become “lost” in the process.

Apples and Oranges

Ultimately, UX and UI are wholly separate concepts, but it goes even further than only the product itself. UX can include marketing, sales, and aftercare for the user. It requires inter-department discipline, which may overwhelm most individuals involved with the task.

You can see the epitome of this in the kind of concept art the different departments make. UI concepts often include buttons, screenshots, and layouts. UX concepts, on the other hand, are better described as a storyboard or comic which focuses on how the user interacts with the product at all levels.

UX can also include interactions between users and a focus on defining the language customers use to discuss the product. Also, it may delve into marketing and the perception of the product’s target demographics. Visual elements, colors, and perceptions made before someone uses a product are all parts of UX.

Due to this complexity, if you have concerns about incorporating UX in your company’s processes, there are ways around that. For example, this product management service is just one example set up to give you peer-to-peer operational support to assist you.

Summing It Up

The differences between UX vs UI are not limited to those shown above. If you have further questions and wish to know more, we would encourage you to seek out more answers on our website.