UI and UX are two terms frequently mentioned in the digital design world, but they are often misunderstood. Although closely related, they have different focuses. Simply put, if UX is about the feeling and experience of using a product, then UI is about how that product looks and interacts.
User Experience (UX) Design is the process of creating products that provide relevant and meaningful experiences to users. A UX designer focuses on the user's 'journey': how the flow works, how easy it is to find information, and how they feel after completing a task. It involves user research, creating user personas, and designing flows (wireframing & prototyping) to ensure the product is logical and efficient.
User Interface (UI) Design, on the other hand, is about the visual look and interactivity of the product. UI designers are the ones who choose color palettes, fonts, button styles, and the layout of every element on the screen. They ensure the interface looks appealing, is consistent with the branding, and guides the user's eye to the most important elements. UI is the visual bridge that translates the functionality of UX.
Why are both important? You can have an application with a beautiful UI, but if the flow is confusing (bad UX), users will get frustrated and abandon it. Conversely, an application with a very logical UX but an outdated and unattractive UI will feel unprofessional and less trustworthy. A successful digital product is the result of a harmonious synergy between solid UX and stunning UI.