User Interface vs. User Experience

Two terms that are often confused - but describe different aspects of interaction with digital products.

Definitions

User Interface (UI) refers to the visible and operable elements of a digital application: layout, colors, buttons, typography.
User Experience (UX) describes the entire experience - from the first perception to the use to the after-effect.

Comparison: UI and UX at a Glance

User Interface (UI)

The UI is what users see and use. It includes all visual and interactive components of an application.

Design & visual level
Layout, color scheme, icons, buttons
Responsive design, accessibility
Sub-area of the UX design
Example: A structured navigation bar with clear icons

User Experience (UX)

UX describes how a product is experienced overall - emotionally, functionally and aesthetically. It encompasses expectations, usage situations and after-effects.

Holistic: before, during and after use
Emotional & cognitive dimensions
Focus on user needs & context of use
Includes usability & UI
Example: The feeling of control and trust in online banking

User interface vs. user experience — Comparison of user interface and user experience

Practical Example

A banking portal with a modern UI - clear colors, large buttons, intuitive icons - can look technically flawless.
But if users feel insecure, receive no feedback on actions or loading times cause frustration, the UX suffers.
Conversely, a site with a simple UI can offer an excellent UX - if it is reliable, fast and trustworthy.

Take Home Message

**UI is what users see. UX is what they feel **.

Deepening & Application

UX and UI can be specifically designed and improved - with the help of methods and standards:

Heuristic evaluation: Identify UI weaknesses using proven usability principles.
Personas & scenarios: Develop realistic usage contexts to derive UX requirements.
Journey Mapping: Visualize emotional and functional contact points with the system.
ISO 9241-110: Use the dialog principles to design user-friendly interfaces.
Accessibility check: Ensure that UI components are usable for everyone - a prerequisite for good UX.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the user interface (UI)?

The UI includes all visible and operable elements of an application - such as layout, colors, buttons, typography and interactions. It is the visual and functional interface between the user and the system.

What does user experience (UX) mean?

UX describes the entire user experience - from initial perception to interaction and after-effects. It includes emotional, functional and contextual aspects.

What is the difference between UI and UX?

UI is a sub-area of UX and focuses on the design of the user interface. UX is more comprehensive and also takes into account emotions, expectations, context and the entire user journey.

Can a good UI make up for a bad UX?

No. An appealing UI can improve perception, but if processes are unclear, feedback is missing or loading times are frustrating, the UX still suffers.

What role does accessibility play in UI design?

Accessibility is a key quality feature of the UI. It ensures that all users - regardless of limitations - can use the interface, which in turn improves the UX.

How are UI and UX related in practice?

A good UI is the basis for a positive UX, but it is not enough. UX design also integrates user needs, emotions, context and interaction flow.

Last modified: 2 November 2025