Importance of UI & UX
User Interface (UI)
A user interface utilizes a series of screens, buttons, forms, and pages which are connected to the devices of the users to enhance communication. In the past, computers used to offer programming options that the users would use to command it. It was not possible to point and click as it is the case currently. The importance of the user interface is that it ensures ease of access to the data stored in the computer. When it comes to the business world, it ensures that there is an effective dialogue or communication which can be used by customers to understand the organization more. For example, if a company uses its website to display products, advertise them and also for sales transactions, the user interface acts as a bridge between the consumers and the business. The experience the users have with the website can be compared to the services offered by attendants in a physical store. The user interface, therefore, acts as a communication tool that allows a company to show users the services they offer and the benefits of consuming them.
The ease of use of a web experience can make or break a user’s perception of the company. Thus, an experience needs to be friendly and easy to use by customers from all walks of life.
The User Experience (UX)
User experience is concerned with the real experience that customers acquire when using the website. The physical appearance of the website constitutes the user interface, but the user experience refers to the exact sensation that people acquire when they use the website. In other words, it refers to the content and tone used in relaying the message on the website to the customer. This has a major impact on the success of the website in promoting the business. User experience emanates from the visual and functional design of a site. The use of uninviting colors, extraneous photos and scanty fonts is some of the features of an dubious UX. Confusing information and attachments are also signs of a poorly designed website which may not be appealing to users. Another common aspect that makes the UX of a website unappealing is requiring one to click many subpages to get to their desired information. For example, some websites may have a section titled News but on clicking on it directs the user to unrelated information instead of the one the user is in need of.
In essence, it's really important that a company's UI and UX are well-researched and well designed. Many companies don't know or perhaps don't care about their UX. It's my opinion that design, in particular good design, will shape the future of how businesses succeed.
