User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) are two of the most misunderstood terms in the digital world regarding their roles and responsibilities. Although they differ from each other, they overlap in a few, vital ways. Having UX without UI – and vice versa – isn’t an option because you need both to meet the needs of your website visitors. Allow us to explain the difference between user experience and user interface and how it will affect your website’s engagement rate.
Understanding the Difference between UX & UI
In simple terms, user experience focuses on the aspects that contribute to the user’s entire experience and user interface focuses on the tangible and visual elements with which the user interacts. Let’s dive into the details:
User Experience (UX)
User experience focuses on the overall feel of the user’s experience with a company, its products, and its services. In the digital world, the focus of UX is the experience the user has online. How well your website design was made and functions will drastically shape the user experience. When you think about website design, you may think clean cut lines and a modern look. But, concerning user experience, the website design goes one step further; it focuses on the quality of user interaction with a company’s website. A few elements that must be considered include:
- How the user should/wants to feel during the experience
- What interactivity options the user desires
- The user’s environment, behavior, motivation, and goals
To obtain all of the information listed above, research must be conducted, the current user experience must be investigated, and a brainstorming session must be held to discover new ways to improve it. Once this phase is complete, the user experience can be brought to life within the website design.
User Interface (UI)
The focus of user interface is to optimize the point of interaction between the user and the product – both its visuals and functionality. You see devices with a user interface element everywhere – from touchscreen computers to cellphones, to Ring doorbells and self-checkout machines at the grocery store. A product’s user interface design will prompt a response from the user; whether that response is positive or negative depends on how well it was built. Every interaction a user may have with the product must be considered, such as:
- Apps
- Boldness
- Branding
- Buttons
- Color schemes
- Icons
- Imagery
- Spacing
- Style
- Typography
Addressing both UX and UI helps the designer create the best product possible. Although they have different focuses, they often overlap as the designer determines how to best create the conceptual and visual elements of the project.
How UX & UI Affects Your Engagement Rate
When your website has a high engagement rate, you will likely see more conversions and profit. A high engagement rate means that your website is meeting the needs of the user. Your website’s UX and UI will dramatically affect your engagement rate, as these elements are what shape the overall user experience.
Reach Out to M&R Marketing with Your Questions about Website Design
Our graphic designers and web developers create your website design with user experience and user interface at the forefront. If you need a complete rehaul on your current website or are looking to create a new site, give us a call. We want to hear your vision and answer any questions you have. Talk soon: 478-621-4491.
If you missed parts one, two, or three in this user engagement blog series, make sure you check them out:
- Part 1 – The Inside Scoop on User Experience & Your Business Website
- Part 2 – How Your Website Design Acts as the Foundation for Your User Engagement Strategy
- Part 3 – 4 User Engagement Metrics That Reflect Your Website Design
- Part 4 – Why Your Website Design Must Account for User Experience & User Interface