UI vs. UX: The Art and Science of Designing for People
- Shelby Whitelaw
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
When I first started learning design, I quickly realized that “UI/UX” was one of the most misunderstood pairings in the industry. People often use the terms interchangeably, but the truth is, they serve two entirely different purposes in shaping how we interact with technology. Over time, working across everything from corporate websites to nonprofit platforms, I’ve come to see UI and UX as two sides of the same creative coin, one rooted in art, the other in empathy.
What is UX Design?
User Experience (UX) design is all about how something feels. It focuses on understanding human behavior and creating pathways that make digital interactions intuitive, efficient, and even enjoyable.
When designing a website or app, I start by asking questions like:
Who are the users?
What are their goals, frustrations, and habits?
How can we make each step feel effortless.
At its core, UX design is about structure and flow, how users move through a product, how pages connect, and how information is delivered. It’s where research meets empathy. Every map, wireframe, and prototype helps build an experience that feels natural rather than forced.
What is UI Design?
User Interface (UI) design, on the other hand, is about how something looks and responds. It’s the color palette that builds trust, the typography that enhances readability, and the motion that gives life to the interaction. UI design transforms the UX blueprint into something tangible and visually engaging.
A well-executed UI makes the interface feel cohesive, every button, icon, and animation working in harmony to guide the user. When I design interfaces, I aim for clarity and accessibility. Every visual choice must serve a purpose, supporting both brand identity and usability.
How They Work Together
I often describe UI and UX as a conversation between form and function. UX sets the foundation, the strategy, user research, and structure, while UI brings that vision to life through visual storytelling. Without thoughtful UX, even the most beautiful design can frustrate users. Without strong UI, even the best structure can feel lifeless and uninspiring.
One of my favorite lessons from both disciplines is the importance of consistency and empathy. Whether it’s designing an accessible banking website for diverse users or reimagining EMMA International’s digital interface for clarity, the goal is always the same: to design for people first.
Final Thoughts
UI and UX are not competing roles, they’re complementary mindsets. Together, they create the bridge between human behavior and digital experience. As designers, our job isn’t just to make products usable, it’s to make them meaningful.
When you understand the difference between UI and UX, you start to see design not just as what users see, but how they feel. And that’s what makes great design stick.
References:
Interaction Design Foundation. (n.d.). What is the difference between UX and UI design? Retrieved from https://www.interaction-design.orgCareerFoundry. (n.d.). UI vs UX design: What’s the difference? Retrieved from https://careerfoundry.com
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