User interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) design are two closely related disciplines that are essential to the creation of successful digital products. However, there is a difference between the two, and it is important to understand which one you should learn first if you are interested in a career in this field.
What is UI design?
UI design is the visual and interactive elements of a product that users interact with. This includes the layout of the interface, the use of colors, typography, and imagery, and the overall look and feel of the product. UI designers are responsible for creating interfaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
What is UX design?
UX design is the overall experience of using a product. This includes the usability of the product, the ease of navigation, and the overall satisfaction of the user. UX designers are responsible for creating products that are easy to use, efficient, and enjoyable.
So, which one should you learn first?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on your individual interests and goals. However, there are a few things to consider when making your decision.
- If you are interested in the visual aspects of design, then UI design may be a good place to start. You will learn about typography, color theory, and layout, which are all essential skills for UI designers.
- If you are more interested in the user’s experience, then UX design may be a better fit. You will learn about usability testing, user research, and information architecture, which are all essential skills for UX designers.
- If you are not sure which one you want to learn, then it is a good idea to learn a bit about both UI and UX design. This will give you a better understanding of the two disciplines and help you decide which one is right for you.
3 factors to consider when deciding whether to learn UI or UX design first:
- Your skills and interests: If you have a background in graphic design or visual arts, then UI design may be a good fit for you. If you are more interested in the psychology of human-computer interaction, then UX design may be a better fit.
- Your career goals: If you want to work as a UI designer, then it is important to have a strong portfolio of UI design work. If you want to work as a UX designer, then it is important to have experience with user research and usability testing.
- The time you have available: If you are short on time, then it may be a good idea to focus on learning one discipline at a time. If you have more time, then you can learn about both UI and UX design.
No matter which one you choose to learn first, it is important to continue learning and growing as a designer. The field of UI/UX design is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.
5 resources that can help you learn more about UI and UX design:
- The Nielsen Norman Group: https://www.nngroup.com/
- Smashing Magazine: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/
- UX Planet: https://uxplanet.org/
- UI Movement: https://uimovement.com/
- UX Mastery: https://www.uxmastery.com/
