The world of digital design is constantly changing. Thousands of websites, apps, and other products are created each day to grow businesses and deliver services. Maze, a well-known product insight company, recently published an article detailing specializations in the industry that have appeared in the last decade.

What is UI and UX?

When I started making my first website, I had generalized my work under “web design.” In reality, there exist terms that refer to the research involved in creating a user-friendly site (UX) and the visuals that enhance the brand identity (UI). These two terms outline the processes required to create a successful product.

Is there a simple way to understand both?

Thankfully, this article includes a fantastic analogy that puts both UI and UX into a practical visualization. Let’s take a look at a house:

User Experience (UX)

The foundation and structure of the house would be the UX. Consideration is given to how much space each room should occupy and where they exist in the house. The overall feel of the house and its rooms boils down to this consideration in the earliest phases of building.

User Interface (UI)

The paint on the outside of the house or even the granite coloring on the counters of the kitchen can be considered UI. These seek to help harmonize the existing furniture and rooms to provide a more pleasant living experience.

The A-Ha Moment

When looking at this example, it might be easy to jump to the conclusion that these fields are separate. After all, there exists an interior designer and an architect in all stages of the project, right?

In truth, the UX and UI are intertwined with one goal: to create a pleasant and safe place to live. When these considerations aren’t in place, users begin to nitpick at larger issues that affect this experience.

Why should I care?

Ultimately, clearer boundaries and established practices improve the products we use immensely. Whether it’s a website or a vacuum cleaner, design can improve the quality of life for people everywhere.