UI stands for user interface whereas UX represents user experience in the mobile application design context. The two are mutually dependent for optimum mobile app design and performance. Each term has specific tags attached to its description. Let us examine the gray areas between the two mobile app tech-related words. Experts say that UX precedes UI in the quest for ultimate user engagement. Finally here comes the technicality you have been waiting for. User experience is centered on human interaction, ease of use and the culmination of user satisfaction which is the end goal. When the term was coined in 1990’s they described UX as “covers all aspects of the app end user interaction with the development company.” User interface design is tasked with the aesthetical aspect of the mobile app. The looks, color and the paramount factor the graphics. The former makes the sole base of user interface design and branding of products and services.
UI/UX are inseparable in definition, parting the two entirely is an uphill task. Therefore treat the two terms as complimentary in meaning and application. On a multi-angle approach however user interface leans more on input devices, software and hardware of the mobile app design components. In contrast user experience weighs in on the human interaction factor. User experience is more dynamic compared to user interface. The feel of a mobile app depends on initial expectations which vary from person to person. The ‘tangibles’ with user interface evolve more with technological trends precisely in hardware and software.
What duties does each party undertake? Overlap surely exists between the two but let us look at some distinguishing duties. User experience design is anchored on intensive and extensive research on the particular product or service. Secondly the task flow in the mobile application comes in handy. The task flow depends on the skeletal arrangement of the visual elements of a webpage commonly referred to as wireframes. Finally collaboration with user interface designers is very key in accomplishing a fulfilling user experience. User psychology comes into play together with user feedback. A user experience expert is therefore responsible for conducting trials and pilots which suggest genuine user experience updates. Understanding the market and competitors in particular makes part of the job description. The development of prototypes to clients spearheads the launch of the desired competitive and marketable mobile app design brands for the intended purpose.
User interface design majors in the following: Handling the technicalities of mobile app design like coding using the appropriate languages. The experts build actual prototypes and mockups for clients that are in turn tested by user experience personnel. The architectural aspect is the responsibility of the user interface designer comprising graphic design, module testing and debugging. A keen eye has to be cast on competitor designs in order to maintain a competitive edge in the market place. This expert is tasked with merging all emerging and existent technological advances into the current mobile app design job in the undertaking. Call it the ‘skin’ of the mobile application design.
User experience and user interface experts have to work hand in hand if they are to achieve sleek appealing technologically sophisticated mobile application designs. The roles of the two experts require constant communication and consultation thereby complimenting each other. None is more important than the other because each mobile app design aspect has a central integral role to play at the end. Having mentioned that none UI or UX works in isolation, it goes without saying that a user interface designer has practical knowledge and privy to what a user experience designer does and vice versa.