We’ve done deep dives on web design topics before, looking at the role of Colour Psychology in Marketing and Visual Storytelling, for example. Now, let’s consider two terms that frequently appear in discussions about website design – UX and UI. What do they mean, and why should business owners care?
UX Meaning
UX, or User Experience, encompasses every interaction a person has with your digital product. It’s like planning a dinner party – you’re not just thinking about the food (the content), but also considering how easily guests can find the dining room (navigation), whether they have comfortable seating (usability), and if the atmosphere makes them want to stay (engagement).
What is UX Design?
User Experience (UX) design is the foundation of any successful digital product. Think of it as the blueprint of your digital space – it’s about planning how people will move through and use your website or app. Just as an architect designs a building to be functional and comfortable, UX designers create digital spaces that are intuitive and enjoyable to use.
So, a UX designer is like a digital architect and psychologist combined. They research how people use digital products
- Create blueprints (wireframes) of websites and apps
- Test designs with real users
- Make improvements based on user feedback
- Work to balance user needs with business goals
UI Meaning
While UX is about how things work, User Interface (UI) is about how things look and feel. If UX is the blueprint of a house, UI is the interior design – the colours, furniture, and decorations that make the space visually appealing and functional.
UI Design
UI design focuses on creating the visual elements users interact with. This includes
- Buttons and icons
- Colour schemes and typography
- Images and animations
- Layout and spacing
- Visual hierarchy and consistency
Look at the logo for Industrial Packaging, and then look at the button to download their brochure. The branding shines through, with similar fonts and colours. The consistency builds trust and leads to a more holistic experience.
User Interface Design
Good interface design goes beyond making things look pretty. It’s about creating visual elements that
- Guide users naturally through tasks
- Make important information stand out
- Create emotional connections with users
- Reflect your brand identity
- Work seamlessly across all devices
Here, on the Abrel website, you’re immediately greeted with a button urging you to learn more. It gives a little snippet of information on the product, but those in the market will be sure to click the button, to get more detailed specs and info, which would be unseemly on the homepage, visually cluttering the experience.
UX Research
Before any design work begins, thorough research is essential. This involves
- Interviewing potential users
- Studying competitor websites
- Analysing user behaviour
- Testing prototypes
- Gathering feedback
User Experience
The ultimate goal of both UX and UI is to create a positive user experience. This means
- Making websites easy to navigate
- Ensuring information is easy to find
- Creating enjoyable interactions
- Building trust with users
- Encouraging users to return
Below is a segment of the Featured Projects section from https://bushellinteriors.com/
Intuitively, we know that clicking on one of these images will bring us more detail on the individual projects. It is warm, welcoming, easy to traverse, and knowing that they’ve been involved in such projects helps to build trust with potential new customers.
Comparing UX and UI – What’s the Difference?
Think of building a website like building a car
UX Design
- Focuses on how the car works
- Plans the placement of controls
- Ensures comfortable seating
- Makes sure everything is within reach
- Tests how people use the car
UI Design
- Determines the look of the dashboard
- Chooses materials and colours
- Designs intuitive controls
- Creates clear indicators and displays
- Makes everything visually appealing
They work together, but serve different purposes. A car could be beautiful (good UI) but uncomfortable to drive (poor UX), or it could be highly functional (good UX) but visually unappealing (poor UI). The best digital products excel at both.
Benefits for Business Owners
Here’s the bottom line – if you’re not going with a web designer who knows what they’re doing, you’re losing out on sales. You’ll give people a poor impression of your company, and they may not come back. Investing in both UX and UI design offers significant returns….
Increased Sales
- Users stay longer on well-designed sites
- Clear navigation leads to more purchases
- Positive experiences encourage repeat visits
Reduced Costs
- Fewer customer support queries
- Lower maintenance needs
- Fewer redesign requirements
Competitive Advantage
- Stand out from competitors
- Build brand loyalty
- Attract and retain customers
While UX and UI serve different purposes, they’re both essential for digital success. UX ensures your digital product works intuitively, while UI makes it visually appealing and engaging. Together, they create experiences that work for users and drive business growth.
For business owners, understanding these concepts is useful for making informed decisions about digital investments. Remember, good design isn’t an expense – it’s an investment in your business’s future.
Inspiration Digital Marketing have an extensive portfolio of fantastic and functional website design. With over 25 years of experience, we know the right path to take to deliver websites which satisfy the needs of both business owners and visitors. Click here to get in contact .
