Today, the terms UX design and UI design are used in almost every digital project — from mobile applications to complex business platforms. However, many people still confuse these concepts or think they mean the same thing.
In reality, UX and UI are different but closely connected fields. Each of them is responsible for a specific part of the user experience. Understanding the difference, key principles, and future of UI/UX design helps designers create effective interfaces and helps businesses build products that really work.
What Is UX Design and UI Design
UX Design: How the Interface Works
UX design (User Experience Design) focuses on how users interact with a product and how easy it is for them to complete their tasks.
A UX designer thinks about:
- interface logic;
- user flows and scenarios;
- product structure;
- clarity and predictability of actions;
- user emotions during interaction.
According to research by Nielsen Norman Group, usability and clarity directly affect user retention and conversion. If users do not understand how to complete an action, they leave the product.
UI Design: How the Interface Looks
UI design (User Interface Design) focuses on the visual side of the interface.
- colors;
- fonts;
- icons;
- buttons;
- visual hierarchy;
- animations and element states.
UI design helps users quickly understand information and correctly read interface elements.
A beautiful interface without UX does not work. At the same time, good UX loses its power without clear and simple UI.
Why UX and UI Cannot Be Separated
Modern design approaches say that UX design and UI design should be created together. They depend on each other.
- UX defines structure and logic;
- UI supports UX through visual solutions.
That is why today we often talk about the role of a UX/UI designer — a specialist who works with both logic and visuals.
Interface Design Process
The interface design process is not always linear. A UX/UI designer chooses tools based on the task, but most projects include four main stages.
Stage 1. Research (UX Research)
Research is the foundation of UX design. At this stage, the designer studies business goals, analyzes the target audience, researches competitors, and finds problems in the current product.
The main goal is to find insights — to understand real user needs, not only the client’s expectations.
Practical Example:
Imagine a task: to design a mobile app and a landing page for a medical laboratory service.
Users should be able to:
- order tests;
- pay online;
- call a doctor to their home;
- view test results;
- add family members.
From discussions with the client, the designer learns that the app is a hypothesis. If users actively order tests through the app, the product will be developed further.
UX Tools Used in Research
- User Flow;
- Customer Journey Map (CJM);
- in-depth interviews;
- data and metric analysis.
Stage 2. Prototyping
When research is complete, the designer starts to visualize the product structure.
Wireframes and Prototypes
Wireframes are simple layouts without details. They help test ideas quickly. Later, designers add logic and details step by step.
Stage 3. Visual Design (UI Design)
During the UI design stage, the interface gets its final look: colors, fonts, icons, animations, and visual style.
The UI designer makes sure the interface is clear, accessible, and supports the user experience.
Stage 4. Testing the Solution
Even the best design must be tested. Designers use usability tests, A/B tests, and user feedback to improve the solution.
Why UX/UI Designers Are Called User Advocates
UX/UI designers protect user interests while balancing business goals and technical limits. Their main question is always: is it easy for the user?
Future of UI/UX Design
UI/UX design continues to grow with mobile-first design, AI products, accessibility, and data-driven decisions.
Key Takeaways
- UX design focuses on logic and usability.
- UI design focuses on visual appearance.
- UX and UI work best together.
- Research is the base of good design.
- The main goal of design is to solve user problems.
Resources for More Information
- Nielsen Norman Group
- Baymard Institute
- Don Norman — The Design of Everyday Things
- Jakob Nielsen — Web Usability
- Luke Wroblewski — Mobile First
- Google Material Design
