“If you stay on the right track for too long, you could get run over.” ~ Will Rogers, American Satirist
Here are some working thoughts on the difference between UX and UI:
UX/ UI is Two-Faceted: It Cleans and Plants Seeds:
UX Designers originally were ergonomists for the digital arena. Our intent was to make the interface as accessible, and easy to use, as possible. We succeeded. Nowadays, UX designers are “interior designers” for websites. They follow contemporary trends (such as “responsive websites”), using accessibilityOne of Nielsen's original UX metrics, denotes attributes and characteristics that enable people to interact effectively with a system. For instance, accessibility aids, such as screen readers, may be added to a system to empower people with disabilities. Otherwise known as "designing for diversity." More guidelines that have now become commonplace (as have most SEO practices).
User Interface architects interpret UX findings, (which can also include usabilityThe degree to which an object or relationship of objects is used efficiently; the quality of being sufficient. More studies, research, competitive positioningAn industry-specific audit of a company's positioning relative to its competitors that assesses and compares the digital presence of successful companies to recommend best landscape practices within a specific industry's ecosphere. More, etc.) to build conceptual models that can be used throughout most stages of development – from specification writing to use caseA set of possible sequences of interactions between systems and users in a particular environment relevant to a particular goal. Use cases capture the software requirements that depict the full range of possibilities with which users can interact with an (eco) system. More analyses to QA testing.
User Interface Architects are Structural Engineers for websites. We assess the relationship of objects and provide ideal taxonomyA schema used to classify subjects, objects and relationships of a system's information architecture (IA). More for categories and navigation, in addition to ideal journey to destination flows.
Both are Digital Strategists, and they work in concert.
UX4UI Experts audit processes, systems and design, and then provide a report that summarizes findings and provides recommendations on how to best move forward. UI4UI experts are equally logical and creative. We can’t help but improve all that we see. Our minds naturally ideate.
