Learning UX: Familiar Concepts from Graphic Design

I believe there is a distinct correlation between graphic design and user experience design.

Ritchel V Arceta
Aug 29, 2017 · 2 min read

A graphic designer can take components of information to create a compelling design. Whether it’s: packaging, publications, marketing, or digital — they analyze certain aspects before “launching the product.”

Similarly, UX designers thrive off of user testing and research. The two diverge with the design’s intent.

Graphic Design Intent:

Create based on the client’s wants.

Visual designs can be straightforward. The message is clear, visually communicating its purpose. However, I’ve worked on projects that didn’t work graphically but it’s what the client requested. They had a preexisting notion of what they expect to see.

UX Design Intent:

Empathize the user’s needs.

There are multiple solutions with user experience but the best solution comes from a need. User testing eliminates any bias the designer might have.

Each side relies on competitive analyses, target audience, thumbnail concepts, and storyboarding. Instead, vocabulary is interchanged with user testing, brainstorming/ideation and user flows.

This idea helped me understand UX design in a linear way by comparing the differences of designing for myself versus for the user. It’s easy to graphically design with my originality in mind but the real test of a designer comes from empathizing with the audience — or in this case the user.

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Ritchel V Arceta

Written by

Semi-thoughtful Designer. I write about Life & Digital Art. — RadfordU & Jefferson PhilaU Alum— Social Media: @ritchelva

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