UX and UI design are often used interchangeably by ecommerce business brands but are two very different techniques requiring strategies. One is focused on the customer experience and the other around the visual journey. So which one is better, and how will they impact your business? Let’s start with the basics and walk through which is best for you.

The main difference is that User-Experience focuses on the interaction that a customer/user takes throughout a website’s journey (or a product or program). User-interface focuses more on aesthetics and how to complement the experience visually.

What is UX Design?

UX Design, or User Experience Design, is focused on the experience of the user. UX is essential to provide a seamless and satisfying experience for the customer or reader when it comes to a business website. If your audience shows up and finds it challenging to navigate your ecommerce store or site, find the appropriate information, or understand what to do once they get there, they’re unlikely to stick around.

If you feel like UX isn’t a big deal, you could be leaving money on the table when you ignore it. Research shows that up to 88% of online shoppers say they wouldn’t return to a website after having a bad user experience. 

What is UI Design?

UI Design, or user interface, focuses on your website’s graphics and appearance, ecommerce store, or visual assets. UI Design should also embody the personality of your brand. From your color scheme to the graphics you choose, your DI Design should be cohesive and visually pleasing.

The research is in, and just like UX Design, UI Design is also an essential part of your business success. Some 94% of the factors that affect a user’s first impression of your product are design-related.

What Are the Difference Between UX and UI?

Despite the similarities between UX and UI and their impact on your online success, they are two different things. Let’s recap the differences:

• UX Design focuses on how your audience navigates and experiences your website
• UI Design concentrates on the visual components of your site that enhances your online branding

Is UX Design or UI Design Better?

The answer is: It depends. Neither UX nor UI are necessarily better than the other, but there are some factors to consider. Without UX Design, your site is not intuitive, customer-friendly, or designed to convert to sales. Research shows that a well-designed user interface could raise your website’s conversion rate by up to 200%. 

UX Design may be a better choice to incorporate a visually pleasing aesthetic if you have a straightforward website. However, the option for a minimalistic, simple website can also be an intentional UI Design choice. The rule of thumb here is to focus on UX Design and use UI Design as a compliment to create a high-performing website.

Can You Use UX and UI Design Together?

Yes! It’s good practice to incorporate both UX and UI design into your website. Focusing on UX helps create that intuitive, seamless customer journey you want. However, the visual components of your site make it look perfect. UI Design can also complement UX Design. For example, when a button or link changes color, so the user knows their action was successful, you’re using UI to enhance the UX experience.

Ready to explore UX and UI Design to turn your website into a high-converting sales tool? Contact Digital Nomad Designs to learn more about our web design, SEO services, and other digital marketing solutions.