"Design is where science and art break even"

What is the difference between,

User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI)

That's completely understandable as the two concepts are very nuanced.  This graphic (designed by Ana Harris, is a very good visual representation of these differences for all you right brainers.) Although they are separate terms, the two are dependent on one another - UX & UI support each other to create a seamless product experience and are crucial to a product’s success. Not unlike the right and left portions of your brain.

 My expertise is in UI design, and I am what would be considered a “UI leaning designer”. However, UI and UX together allow me to market my client’s products in the most efficient, comprehensive, and compelling way - i.e. UX and UI are what I use to marry my client’s business goals to their audiences’ wants and needs. 

 There is the ‘make it pretty’ designer, (UI) right brained and the ‘make it work’ designer, (UX) or left brained.

 So Let’s Break it Down...

UX (User Experience Design)

 

The first component of designing a product or website is through UX. This involves more technological concepts and analytics surrounding the product and how its experience will translate to the user. This portion of design is considered to be left brain oriented parts of design.

It’s essentially nailing down the science behind the product marketing before translating the product into an optimal, meaningful and tangible user experience. This is done through critical thinking, and research into users needs.  

Some of my responsibilities when I’m handling the UX side of things can include:

• Competitor Analysis

• Customer Analysis

• Product Structure/Strategy

• Content Development

• Wireframing

• Prototyping Testing/Iteration

• Development Planning

• Coordination with UI Designer(s)

• Coordination with Developer(s)

• Tracking Goals and Integration

• Analysis and Iteration

UI (User Interface Design)

 The second component of designing a product is UI, which encompasses more graphic design elements that promote a brand’s strengths through visual properties to its users. This where my strength lies, and the majority of my experience. It creates the look and feel of the brand.

Some of my responsibilities when I’m handling the UI side of things can include

• Customer Analysis

• Design Research

• Branding and Graphic Development

• User Guides/Storyline

• UI Prototyping

• Interactivity and Animation

• Adaptation to All Device Screen Sizes

• Implementation with Developer

• Front end development work

For more information on my experience in design, and to see my portfolio please click the link below.

Written by: Mollie Markham