UX and UI are often used interchangeably but are two very different things. Our developers and web design Surrey based team have plenty of experience with both, so we thought we’d pick their brains and delve into the lesser-known world of UX and UI.
When building a website or an app, it’s important to know what they each do, and what benefits they hold to a product or service. UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) are two elements that work hand in hand and are of huge importance to the product. Now let’s dive deeper into their own roles.
UX – User Experience
To get the perfect definition, let’s take it back to the late 1990s when a cognitive scientist and User Experience Architect, Don Norman, coined the term:
“User experience encompassed all aspects of the end-users interaction with the company, its services, and its products.”
As the name implies, UX is anything that can be experienced by the user. Think as broadly as a shop, coffee machine, or our web design Surrey team’s favourite, a website. The design considers the different parts that shape it, making it user-friendly, enjoyable to use, and effective.
UI – User Interface
Unlike UX where we could also be talking about a shop or coffee machine, UI is purely a digital term. Looking into the definition of UI, the interface is the point where two subjects (be it a person or computer) meet and interact. Therefore, our developers and design team are always striving for the perfect look, feel, and interactivity to best show off our client’s products and services. From colours to responsive design, it all goes towards building the brand.
The Differences and Creating the Perfect Website Using Both
Understanding the importance of UX and UI is great, but to get the full picture we need to look at how they work together and why they are both essential. Here’s a fantastic analogy from Dain Miller:
“UI is the saddle, the stirrups, and the reins. UX is the feeling you get being able to ride the horse.”
If something that looks great but is hard to use is an example of great UI and poor UX. If it looks bad but is easy to use, it’s an example of great UX but poor UI. Therefore, getting the UX and the UI to work together effectively is crucial, and something our teams work tirelessly to perfect!
Contact Us for Your Web Design Needs
Thunderbolt Digital is an award-winning digital marketing and web design Surrey based agency and would love to work with you to create the ideal website for your business. Get in touch today by calling 01252 978384 or email howdy@wearethunderbolt.com – we can’t wait to hear from you!