Before we start, let’s clarify a frequent source of confusion: UI vs. UX. It’s similar to having an understanding of the difference between a car’s engine and its dashboard. Both are necessary for a pleasant ride, but they have very distinct functions.
User Experience (UX): The Strategic Foundation
Think of UX like the building architecture. You don’t always realize it when it’s good, but you certainly notice when it’s bad. UX design is concerned with the overall feel of the experience. It is concerned with:
Solving Real Problems: A good building makes you warm and dry; good UX resolves a user’s problem effectively and efficiently.
Building Smoother Trips: When you purchase movie tickets online, a successful UX helps you transition from “I want to watch a movie” to “I have my tickets” without frustration or confusion.
Research and Empathy: UX designers are sleuths who continually pose the questions, “Why do users act this way?” and “How can we simplify this for them?”