Though often confused, UX/UI designers and developers have different roles. What will happen to a website if there’s a disconnect between UX/UI design and development? 88% of users may not return to the website after a bad user experience (Toptal). A poor user experience can lead to frustrated users and ultimately, lost revenue. In this blog, let’s discover how UX/UI designers and developers collaborate to solve these issues and ensure a satisfying experience for users.
What is UX (User Experience)?
When users can approach and follow the website easily, that means the website has a good UX design. Key parts of UX design include understanding what users need, solving any problems they might face, and making the experience as simple as possible. For example, when you shop online, good UX design helps you easily find what you want, add items to your cart, and check out without difficulties.
Another example of good UX design is Google Maps. It makes finding directions, exploring nearby places, and getting real-time traffic updates easier for users. Just need to enter your destination then Google Maps will create a perfect route for you.
If you want to know how a good UX design can boost a business’s revenue, read here: From Pixels to Profit: Unpacking the ROI of Thoughtful UX Design
What is UI (User Interface)?
UI (User Interface) design is all about how a product looks and how users interact with it, like the buttons, icons, and layout you see on your phone or computer. It’s what makes apps easy to use and visually attractive. 50% of customers said that a company’s website design influences their impressions of a business (PR Newswire).
A simple UI example is the home screen of the smartphone, including the icons, colors, and menus that are part of the UI, helping people use it more easily.
Back to the history of UI design, one of the first computers with a graphical user interface (GUI) was the Xerox Alto, released in 1973. It used a desktop-style design, which is now common on modern computers. This happened years before most people had access to such technology (The History of User Interfaces).
All in all, through UI design, users can interact with apps/websites more smoothly. When done right, it makes using apps and websites simple and enjoyable for everyone.
Key Differences between UX and UI Design
UX (User Experience) design focuses on how a product works to make it easy for users to have a perfect experience. Meanwhile, UI (User Interface) design is all about the product’s visual elements, like colors, fonts, and buttons. UX is about solving user problems and creating a functional flow, while UI makes sure the product’s interface is attractive.
Despite their differences, both aim to create a positive user experience. By distinguishing UX and UI design, people can better understand how to create products that are both functional and visually engaging.
What is the Difference between UX/UI Designer and UX/UI Developer?
A UX/UI designer focuses on how a product looks and feels, creating layouts and designs to make sure it’s easy to use. They work on the visual side, like where buttons go or how colors and fonts fit together. A UX/UI developer takes those designs and turns them into actual working code, making sure everything functions smoothly on a website. Designers focus on creating a great user experience, while developers focus on making it all work technically. They work together to make sure the final product is both beautiful and functional for users.
Role of UX/UI Designer
The UI/UX designer will be in charge of creating and developing the look and feel of websites. They should have strong skills in designing user interfaces, and the ability to take ideas and turn them into easy-to-use, attractive, and functional designs. They will work with high-level requirements and turn them into simple, intuitive interfaces that users enjoy.
Tasks
- Create user-friendly designs and layouts for websites and apps.
- Develop wireframes, prototypes, and mockups to visualize concepts.
- Conduct user research to understand needs and behaviors.
- Ensure consistency in visual design, such as colors, fonts, and styles.
- Work with developers to bring designs to life.
Skills
- Proficiency in design tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD.
- Strong understanding of user-centered design principles.
- Ability to create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
- In-depth knowledge of responsive design and mobile-first principles.
- Good problem-solving and UX research skills.
Role of UX/UI Developer
A UX/UI developer is responsible for turning design ideas into working websites and mobile apps. Together with UX/UI designers, they build user interfaces that look good and work well on different devices. Using skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, UX/UI developers create smooth navigation and interactive features while still making sure everything runs quickly and efficiently. They also fix any coding issues and ensure the product is easy to use for everyone. Furthermore, they work with backend developers to connect the front-end designs with the server-side functions to make a satisfying user experience.
Tasks
- Turn design ideas into working code with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Create flexible layouts for different devices.
- Work with UX/UI designers to improve user interfaces.
- Fix coding issues for better performance.
- Connect front-end designs with backend systems.
Skills
- Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development.
- Strong understanding of adaptive design principles.
- Experience with design tools like Figma or Adobe XD.
- Get used to version control systems like Git.
- Knowledge of web accessibility standards and best practices.
Do UX/UI Designers Earn More Than Developers?
The UX market is predicted to grow to $20.058 million by 2028, while the global UI market will surpass $3.693 billion by that same year (Medium). This growth means there will be a greater demand for talented UX/UI designers and developers who can create user-friendly and effective digital products.
When businesses see the value of good design in attracting and keeping customers, the need for professionals who can combine style with usability will increase. This trend shows just how important UX/UI skills will be for the future of digital experiences.
When comparing salaries, it’s important to remember that both UX/UI designers and developers have unique roles that can impact their earnings. Generally, as the complexity of UX/UI design increases, the role of developers becomes even more crucial. In many cases, UX/UI designers can have higher salaries, especially in areas where good design is crucial for attracting users.
All in all, pay also varies greatly depending on specific client needs and the goals of the company. Finally, the demand for each role can change based on industry trends and project requirements.
Conclusion
Overall, both roles can be well-paid and are important in the tech industry, but the earnings can vary based on specific circumstances.
If you’re struggling with your website or app’s user experience, or need help creating a user-friendly design from scratch, we are here to help. Our team has many years of experience in UX consultancy for businesses across Singapore and can help you create a satisfying experience for your users.
Feel free to reach out – we’d love to help your business take full advantage of the UX!
