UX (User Experience) refers to the complete experience a person has when interacting with a product or service, while UI (User Interface) focuses on how that interaction is visually presented.
Both work in a complementary manner to ensure that products are useful, usable, and attractive with an exclusive focus on the user.
In the context of experience design (XD), these areas are not siloed, but rather parts of a larger ecosystem.
We can imagine it as layers: PD (Product Design) encompasses the strategy and vision of the product; within it, UX defines how the experience is structured and functions; and finally, the UI materialises that experience in a coherent and accessible visual interface. All of these are part of Experience Design (XD). XD>PD>UX>UI
Definition and differences between UX and UI
Although they are often mentioned together, UX and UI fulfil different roles. UX focuses on the functionality and logic behind the interaction, is based on research into user needs, defines flows, organises the information architecture and ensures that tasks are performed with as little friction as possible. Its goal is to make the experience intuitive and satisfying.
On the other hand, UI deals with appearance and visual interaction. It designs graphic elements using foundational elements such as typography, colours, etc., defining rhythms and grids, and ends up creating components that make the interface attractive and consistent, maintaining a visual language that gives the product personality.
If we think of an iceberg, the UX would be the submerged part that supports the structure, while the UI would be the visible tip that connects with the user. It is the ultimate result of all the invisible work that materialises physically in the user interface.
Benefits of UX/UI
Investing in experience design is not just a matter of aesthetics, it is a strategic decision.
A well-designed experience improves user satisfaction, reduces errors and friction, increases conversion and reinforces brand trust. It also optimises the product lifecycle by validating ideas with users before development, avoiding rework and saving costs.
What does the work of UX/UI designers consist of?
UX/UI designers are involved in the entire design cycle, from research and conceptualisation to delivery and validation. Their work involves understanding the user, defining flows and architectures, creating wireframes and prototypes, designing interfaces, and working on usability tests that validate the experience.
Although there are specialised profiles, both roles collaborate closely under the direction of Product Design, which articulates the strategy and ensures consistency between business, technology and experience.
There is also a tendency to integrate these capabilities into the role of Product Designer, making these profiles highly versatile and valuable.
Related professional profiles
Experience design is a collective effort involving multiple profiles, including Product Designers, UX Designers, UI Designers, User Researchers, UX Writers, Design Systems specialists, Product Managers, Front-end Developers, Accessibility experts, Design Ops and Design Strategists.
Each brings a unique perspective, but they all share a common goal: to create user-centred experiences that are technically viable and that reinforce and promote the business.
The influence of new technologies
Technologies such as artificial intelligence are permanently transforming design. The automation of repetitive tasks (documentation, component generation, rapid prototyping, data analysis), to give a few examples, allows teams to devote more time to designing personalised and meaningful experiences. However, this evolution requires conscious and critical management to ensure that the experience remains human, inclusive and ethical.
