UI/UX: Differences and Principles

recruitday.com

Hi there🖐, if you are new to UI/UX then just like you some few months ago, I was surfing the net looking for everything and anything on UI/UX designs. I got lucky! I found and joined She Code Africa founded by Ada Nduka Oyom and got admission into her Mentorship Program for techies. Presently I am being mentored by Esther James on UI/UX.

I want to share a little bit of what I learnt about the difference between UI/UX design and the principles. I promise it’s a short read. Enjoy!

https://dribbble.com/shots/6861266-Music-Player-App-UI-UX-Design?utm_source=Clipboard_Shot&utm_campaign=abbasitaim7f85&utm_content=Music%20Player%20App%20UI%2FUX%20Design&utm_medium=Social_Share

The user interface (UI) from its name has to do with everything on the interface that the user interacts with, from the icons and how it reacts when it is clicked to the colours and the entire feel of the interface. The UI design can be likened to the windows, doors, ceilings, paintings, and the entire look of a building.

While User Experience (UX), like its name suggests too, is all about how the users of a product experience the product. That is, do they have a smooth or broken journey; are they happy, sad, or confused when using the product? The user experience designer is also interested in the user flow.

Sketchup

Also, UX design can be likened to the architectural design of a building that allows for easy access to one room from the other and based on the need of the potential occupants, the gate can be designed to be locked outside from inside. In other words, just like the architect will design the building with the potential occupants in mind, the UX designer design specifically for its users.

Helga Moreno says “Something that looks great but is difficult to use is exemplary of great UI and poor UX. While something very usable that looks terrible is exemplary of great UX and poor UI.”

blog.karmickinstitute.com

Although these two guys have outlined functions, they work hand in hand as they both take turns working on a product. The UX designer works out a blueprint for the UI designer to add life to with colours, layout, and widgets. So basically, we can say that the UX designer works on the content and strategy, wireframe and prototype; execution and analysis while the UI designer takes care of the visual and the interactive aspect of the product.

Even though user experience design and user interface design are different career paths, they are intertwined. Hence, knowledge of both will be of great value.

lemons.ge

Please note that UI/UX can be applied to non-digital products as well. In the picture above, it is obvious that the UI designer was interested in the look of the product while UX designer was interested in how it is being used.

PRINCIPLES OF UI/UX

Principles of UI/UX designs are basic underlying guides for designers to follow. They include the following amongst many others:

User Centricity: Every design must be user-centered and must solve a particular pain point. That is, designers design designs to solve real-life problems for people. The user researcher finds out about the users and their problems before the UX designer can get to work. As newbies in design, it is recommended to try solving daily life problems with designs to gain more experience and build a portfolio.

Consistency: Another very important principle in UI/UX design is consistency. There must be consistent use of icons, colours, fonts in the pages of design.

Responsiveness: A great design should be made to look beautiful in all screen sizes whether its a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. screen size. Have you seen a website with a haphazard look while in use on a smartphone? it failed the test of responsiveness.

Accessibility: Also, a great design should be made accessible for all especially those with disabilities like poor sight, poor grip, etc. Also, accessibility helps consider worst-case scenarios like when a potential user is either driving or eating or even cooking and needs to do a quick stop at your website. Can they achieve their goals with just one palm? Is your login button positioned strategically such that it can be accessed holding the device from one side in the case of a mobile application?

Simplicity: Also, you must keep your design simple so your users can grasp, at first glance, what help you are offering. Simplicity is not a lack of creativity. Your design will be raising meh feelings if it does not communicate the right intentions fast.

I will stop here.

I trust you got the idea. I hope to share more of my learnings …. bye.

Sources

https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/5-key-principles-for-new-ux-designers/