Difference between UI and UX

UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) are often confused with each other and many people, who do not have enough understanding of computer science, often use the two words interchangeably.

There are some fine lines between UI and UX, giving the two terminologies totally different meanings. User interface is nothing but relationship between user (human) and machine (computer usually). UI is about how effective the interaction between the user and machine is, and how the message is transferred from a user to machines. So, UI is any system that allows the user to give instructions to the machine (computer). On the other hand, user experience is a user’s perception, or emotions, about a system that he/she uses. User experience is crucial for technological growth and modifications in any computer-based system.

Instructions

  • 1

    UI

    A user interface describes the communication links between two entities. These two entities are usually software components, components of computer hardware, or user (human). It generally refers to a mental image that the user gives to the machine—a computer, gadget, hardware and software.

    A simple definition of user interface is that the body or act by which a person comes in contact with a machine. In the simplest case, you can take a light switch as an example. The switch belongs neither to the people nor to the "machine" (lamp), but it acts as the interface between the two.

    Hence, a user interface for humans is always available in one form or another and is very useful for interaction. But any user interface must be adjusted and adapted to users’ needs and capabilities.

    In plain terms, the user interface can also be called "man-machine interface" called because it allows the operator to pass over the operation of the machine beyond the observation of system.

    Image courtesy: blogcdn.com

  • 2

    UX

    The concept of user experience covers all angles of the experiences of a user when interacting with an environment, service, product, or facility. Despite the broader meaning of the word UX, technological advancements in the IT (Information Technology) has hijacked the term and it is now used mainly in the field of computer science and software development. Although the term can be applied to interactions between human and any machine that needs to be programmed.

    UX is mostly related to the design of websites or apps for tablet PCs and smartphones and the relation between users and their experience. User plays a pivotal role in the development of a service or a product.

    Image courtesy: kingloaf.com

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