Why UX and UI Are Important

As a developer, aspiring developer, or even a web-based business owner, there are two things that you should never forget about: UX and UI. UX refers to “user experience,” while UI refers to “user interface.” While neither one is more important than the other, if done correctly, the two can work in tandem to create a beautiful overall web experience for the end user.

Now that we’ve established that UX and UI are not the same, let’s get to why they’re so important.

User Experience

You might consider UX to be the way you (or your business) present yourself to the customer. A good UX can ultimately determine whether your customer chooses you or the competition. If you create an easy-to-use design that requires minimal effort on the user’s end, you have a greater chance of creating a worthwhile customer experience.

Most consumers don’t want to (and shouldn’t have to) jump through hoops to be able to use a website, so this is where simplicity meets functionality. Good UX will allow the user to navigate all parts of the site without any complications or confusion.

Imagine you’re browsing your favorite clothing site. Many online stores have categories, search bars, and filter options to help you find what you’re looking for quickly. Now imagine if the site didn’t have these options and you had to scroll through a jumbled mess of pants, shoes, and shirts, all in no particular order. Most likely, you would abandon the website and quit shopping altogether, otherwise you would spend hours looking for the items that you wanted to buy.

User Interface

User Interface is similar to graphic design, with more technical elements to it. A UI designer is responsible for a few key things like creating the look and feel of the site and ensuring the page is both responsive and interactive. UI is designed to convey the branding of the products or services while responding to the user’s commands.

Without good UI, a user might struggle to see the value in the product because they aren’t able to interact with the page. Here are a few signs that indicate good UI design, according to WeBuildDesign.com:

• Use clearly distinguishable contrasting styles instead of something blurry
• Use contrast instead of monotony
• Combine similar functionality, but do not fragment UI
• Use smart controls instead of doing extra work

When Good UX & UI Come Together

Great things can happen when these come together and work as one unit. The entire experience of a website should be pleasing and simple for a user, allowing for great aesthetics and also functionality. There should be a sort of flow to the navigation, while still having visual appeal through elements like fonts, colors, and buttons.

Remember, your website is not only a representation of you or your brand—it’s the door through which, you will push sales, increase conversations, and ultimately create a loyal customer.