February 23, 2026|
Vaibhav Kakkar|
UI/UX Design|
Interested in UI/UX but don't know the difference? Happens with a lot of us today. The words UI and UX are so carelessly tossed around that most of us have little idea about what they actually are. Today in this article, we will cover differences between UI and UX primarily along with definitions, features, key differences, career paths, and educational qualifications.
UI is the visual side of a digital product. Buttons, menus, icons, colors, fonts, and images are all part of this.
A UI designer creates the look of a product. You choose colours, pick fonts and design icons that are instantly understandable.
UI design is about making a product look good. It is about visual appeal and polished presentation. It is about creating an interface that feels professional and trustworthy.
UX refers to how a user feels when using a product. From the moment a user opens an app to the moment they close it, that is the user experience.
A UX designer focuses on how a product works. They research user behavior. They study how people interact with technology. They identify problems and design solutions.
UX design is about making a product easy and enjoyable to use.
This is how everything is arranged on the screen. Good layout makes the page look clean and balanced. It helps users find things easily.
Colors are chosen carefully. They match the brand and create a certain mood. Good color use makes the design attractive and easy to understand.
Typography is about how text looks. The right font and size make reading easy. Proper spacing keeps the text clear and neat.
Buttons and icons guide users. They should be clear and easy to recognize.
The design should work on all devices. It should look good on phones, tablets, and computers. Nothing should break or look messy.
Buttons, colors, and fonts should stay the same everywhere. This makes the product feel stable and professional.
Designers study real users. They create simple profiles called personas. This helps them understand who they are designing for.
These are basic layouts of a screen. They help plan the user journey.
It helps designers see where users might get confused.
This is how content is organized. Menus and pages should be easy to find. Users should not feel lost.
Designers test the product with real users. They collect feedback and improve the design based on real data.
UX design never truly ends. Designers keep testing and improving the product over time.
UI and UX are closely connected. But they are very different in what they involve and how they work.
Here were some major differences between UI and UX design trends in industries.
Let’s Understand This With an Example
Imagine you are using Swiggy
UI (User Interface)
You open the app. The colors look nice. The buttons are clear. The food pictures are clearly visible. The text is easy to read. That is UI. It is about how the app looks.
Now you try to order food. You find the restaurant quickly. The menu is easy to scroll. Checkout takes only a few steps. Payment gateway works smoothly. You get the confirmation right away. That is UX. It is about how the app works and feels.
Some of the Job Profiles for UI/UX Designer are as follows:
Designers are needed in all sectors. Tech companies hire the most. But hospitals, banks, schools, shopping brands, media companies, gaming studios, and entertainment companies also hire designers for their digital applications and websites. Any company with a website or app needs design help.
UI/UX design pays well. Senior designers and team leads earn much more. Beginners usually earn around INR 3 to INR 6 lakhs per year. With 3 to 5 years of experience, salaries can grow to INR 7 to INR 12lakhs. Freelancers can also earn well if they build strong skills.
The career opportunities are immense. Most people start as Junior Designers. Then they become Senior Designers. After that, they can become Lead Designers or Design Managers. You can also specialize.
This industry is great for remote work. UI/UX Tools like Figma work online. Many designers work from home or travel while working.
You can also explore some of the master courses offered by IIM SKILLS:However, a formal degree gives you a strong theoretical foundation. Some programs to consider are as follows:
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design or Visual Communication
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Bachelor's in Communication Design, Digital Media, or Fine Arts
A formal degree is not required to enter this field. Many of today's best designers are entirely self-taught or complete short online programs before entering the job sector. IIM SKILL, Google UX Design Certificate are good options.
Also Check:
Why You Need A Portfolio For UI/UX Design?
Organizations and employers want to see real work and your critical thinking skills. You need to create your own projects. Explain your process. Show the problem, your research, your ideas, and your final design. A strong portfolio can open new avenues.
Q1. Can one person handle both UI and UX design?
Yes, absolutely. Many companies hire one person to manage both UI and UX.
Q2. Is coding required to become a UI/UX designer?
No, coding is not required. Most designers do not write code every day. However, learning basic HTML and CSS can really help. It helps you understand how things work. Your primary focus should be design skills. You can always learn coding later.
Q3. Which is a better career path, UI or UX design?
If you love colors, layouts, and making things look beautiful, UI may suit you. If you enjoy research, understanding people, and solving problems, UX may be a better fit. Many designers work in both areas, especially in the beginning.
UI and UX are very important in today’s digital world. They are different, but they work together. A product needs both to succeed. Career opportunities in UI/UX are growing fast. Almost every industry is going digital. Every app and website needs skilled designers. Your educational qualifications do not matter a great deal in this field, only your acumen does. Take up a course that teaches fundamentals and has a lot of practical assignments. UI/UX cannot be learnt by just reading or going through theories. It is an absolutely practical thing. With the right skills and consistent effort, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in UI/UX design. Let us know what you think of the future of UI/UX.
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Vaibhav Kakkar is the Founder & CEO of IIM SKILLS, a global EdTech leader committed to making professional education practical, affordable, and career-transforming. Recognized as a global voice in professional...
