UI/UX design services or graphics: the scope of use
Variation of design job titles (graphic, visual designer, UI/UX designer) might be confusing for someone who is just starting their career in this field or using these services. However, there is a significant difference between them. And choice depends on what needs you want to satisfy.
Graphic design
Specific features of this job consist in designing posters, brochures, invitations, business cards, etc. Graphic designers should know things such as colour theory and typography. They also need to know how to build brand assets (like logos and icons) and make sure they fit the brand identity. Here are common graphic designer duties:
- Defining the scope of a project via meeting with clients.
- Using photo editing software, layout software, and digital illustration to create designs.
- Interaction with typography.
- Presenting design concept.
- Leading the process of printing or publishing.
UI/UX design
The definition of UI/UX design reveals by decrypting these abbreviations. UX design refers to the term “user experience design”, while UI stands for “user interface design”. UI/UX designers work exclusively on the web, rather than primarily in print like a graphic designers. The main UI/UX design principles of work consist of building websites, web apps, and web layouts in general. They need to have strong wireframing skills in their design toolkits. They should be aware of how HTML and CSS work, so they understand how their designs will look on actual websites, apps, and products.
UI/UX design process
Let’s go deeper into the process of UI/UX design. As Rahul Varshney once said: “User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) are some of the most confused and misused terms in our field. A UI without UX is like a painter slapping paint onto a canvas without thought; while UX without UI is like the frame of a sculpture with no paper mache on it. A great product experience starts with UX followed by UI. Both are essential for the product’s success.”. So, what is the exact difference?
UI design principles
UI (User Interface) design focuses on visual touchpoints that allow users to interact with a product. These touchpoints are drop-down menus, form fields, clickable elements, animations, button styling, and so on. UI designers create combinations of typography, color palettes, buttons, animations, and imagery to delight users aesthetically. The process of UI design includes:
- Customer analysis.
- Design research.
- Branding and graphic development.
- User guides and storylines.
- Prototyping,
- Interactivity and animation.
- Size adaptation.
- Cooperation with developers.
UX design principles
UX (User Experience) design focuses on the full experience with the product from the user’s first contact to the last, striving to understand and meet the needs of the customer. UX designers create structural design solutions for pain points that users encounter anywhere during their interaction with the product to achieve its effectiveness. The process of UX design includes:
- Competitor analysis.
- Customer analysis and user research.
- Product structure and strategy.
- Content development.
- Prototyping and wireframing.
- Testing and iteration.
- Coordination with developers and UI designers.
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