A lot of people in the tech world use the terms “user interface” (UI) and “user experience” (UX) to talk about the same thing. What do the terms mean, though? What does it mean to be a UX or UI designer?

UI is the term for the screens, buttons, toggles, icons, and other visual parts of a website, app, or electronic device that you see and use. UX is the whole experience you have with a product, including how you feel during that experience. UI and UX are two different things, even though they can affect each other. Designers have different jobs for each.

We’ll look more closely at how the roles of UX designer and UI designer overlap and differ, as well as how to figure out which one you should go for. Lastly, we’ll talk about ways you can get started even if you don’t have any experience or qualifications.

What UI and UX Are Not

Both good UI and good UX are often needed to make a product that people love.

For instance, you could have a messaging app (like WhatsApp) that looks great and is easy to use. It doesn’t matter how good the app looks if it takes a long time to load or makes you click through a lot of screens to message someone (UX). It looks like you won’t want to use it.

On the other hand, a website could have a lot of unique, useful content that is organized in a way that makes sense. It might look old, though, and if it’s hard to figure out how to scroll through options or switch between screens, you might leave the site.

It says “UX vs. UI designers” in black letters on a white background.

The following jobs are open to UX designers:

  • Draws the user’s path
  • Plans the structure of information
  • Very good at research, wireframes, and prototypes

UI designers include:

  • A visual designer
  • Picks out fonts and colors, plans the look
  • Expert in mockups, graphics, and layouts

What are duties and tasks? What do they do?

UI and UX designers are both very important to the process of making a product. Let’s look at each one more closely.

UX designers work on the experience a person has with a product. The goal is to make products that work well, are easy to get, and are fun to use. UX can apply to digital and non-digital products (like a coffee pot or a transportation system).

Common tasks of a UX designer:

  • Conducting user research to find out what people want, need, do, and dislike
  • Making user personas based on target customers
  • User journey maps to track how a customer uses a product
  • Prototypes and wireframes to visualize the final product
  • User testing to confirm design choices and find issues
  • Collaboration with developers, UI designers, and stakeholders
UX vs UI: Understanding the Core Differences

ALSO READ: Responsive Web Design Explained: Why Your Site Must Be Mobile-Friendly

UI designers make the graphical parts of mobile apps, websites, and devices that a user directly interacts with. UI is digital-only, while UX applies to almost any product or service. Common tasks of a UI designer:

  • Working with developers to bring designs to life
  • Page layouts
  • Picking fonts and color schemes
  • Creating interactive elements (text fields, menus, scrollers, buttons)
  • Drawing high-fidelity wireframes/layouts for final designs

Is there such a thing as a UI/UX designer?

Companies often look for UI/UX designers with both skill sets. But job titles can be misleading — the role usually leans more toward one.

Tip: When job hunting, focus on duties and requirements, not just the title.

There are skills shared by both roles, but each also requires unique expertise.

Shared & Unique Skills

A Venn diagram shows overlap:

  • UX skills: Product strategy, user research, information architecture, testing, iteration
  • UI skills: Color theory, typography, design patterns, animation, interactivity
  • Shared skills: Empathy, teamwork, design thinking, prototyping

Education

You don’t always need a degree, but having one can improve opportunities.

  • UX designers might study design, psychology, or computer science
  • UI designers might study graphic design, digital design, or interaction design

Salary

As of June 2025, Glassdoor said the average salary in India was:

  • ₹5,00,000 for UI designers
  • ₹7,66,500 for UX designers

Salaries vary by location, work type, experience, and skills.

How can I tell if UI or UX is better for me?

Both are popular and high-paying careers.

  • UX design may be right if you like technology, problem-solving, and improving experiences.
  • UI design may be right if you enjoy creativity, visuals, and aesthetics.

If unsure:

  • Take a class in both UI & UX
  • Read or listen to UI/UX blogs and podcasts
  • Network on LinkedIn (informational interviews)
  • Join online design groups

Other roles in the user experience

Besides UI and UX designers, related roles include:

  • UX researchers → Study user goals, needs, and problems
  • UX writers → Create product text (websites, apps, digital tools)
  • Interaction designers → Study how users interact with digital products
  • Developers → Code and implement designs
  • Product designers → Oversee product from idea to launch
  • Content strategists → Plan and create marketing content throughout the project lifecycle