What Is UI vs UX Design? Key Differences Explained

UI and UX are two design terms you’ve probably heard countless times—often used together, sometimes interchangeably. But they’re not the same thing. Understanding the difference between UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) is crucial for anyone involved in digital product design, from developers to marketers.

Let’s break it down.

A workspace with user journey maps, wireframe sketches, sticky notes, and pens laid out, representing UX design planning

What Is UX Design?

User Experience (UX) design focuses on the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product, app, or website. It’s about usability, logic, flow, and ensuring the product solves the user’s problem in the best way possible.

Key responsibilities of a UX designer include:

  • Conducting user research and interviews

  • Creating user personas

  • Designing user flows and wireframes

  • Prototyping and usability testing

A flat lay view of UX design materials on a wooden desk, featuring a user journey map, wireframe sketches, sticky notes labeled 'UI Design' and 'User Flow', and colored pens.

What Is UI Design?

User Interface (UI) design is all about the visual and interactive elements a user engages with. Think colors, buttons, typography, spacing, and layout. If UX is the blueprint, UI is the paint and decor.

Key responsibilities of a UI designer include:

  • Designing visual mockups and style guides

  • Choosing typography and color schemes

  • Ensuring consistency across screens

  • Collaborating with UX designers and developers

A high-fidelity mobile app UI design displayed on a smartphone screen, with accompanying style guide elements like color swatches, typography, and buttons shown to the side.

UI vs UX: What’s the Difference?

UI Design UX Design
Focuses on look and feel Focuses on overall experience
Visual design, branding, interactivity Research, structure, usability
Comes after UX Comes before UI
Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch Tools: Figma, Miro, Balsamiq


How UI and UX Work Together

While different in scope, UI and UX are closely connected. A great product needs both:

  • UX ensures the product solves the right problem

  • UI makes it delightful, clear, and easy to use

Collaboration is key. UX lays the foundation, UI builds the interface, and both roles often overlap in tools and feedback loops.

Final Thoughts

UI and UX are not competing concepts—they’re complementary. UX is the journey, and UI is the vehicle. Understanding the difference (and synergy) between the two is essential for creating user-centered, successful digital products.

Whether you're building an app, designing a website, or working with a product team, knowing how UI and UX contribute can help you create better, more thoughtful experiences.

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