Difference between Product design and UI/UX.
by Adewale Adedamola and Mosadoluwa Fasasi
I remember the time I was just getting into the Nigerian Tech space. Few of the first terms I got quickly used to are “UX” “UI” “PMs” “Product design”. I got used to them but I didn’t have an understanding of what they mean, I even confused them.
If you happen to be like me, finding it hard to differentiate these terms, I urge you to continue reading. This is precisely for you.
After getting into the Nigerian Tech space on Twitter, I began to follow a few of the top guys. Every now and then, they would pass a comment “bad UI” “good user experience”. At first, I thought they spoke in slangs non-tech folks cannot understand. I would eventually find out that yes, they spoke in slangs but non-tech folks can actually understand.
So what exactly is the difference between Product Design and UI/UX?
I’m going to be as lay as I can so that after reading this article, you’ll never be confused about what each term means ever again.
Let’s begin with the latter.
What is UI/UX?
UI means “User Interface” while UX means “User Experience”. Let’s look at it this way. I would like you to pay attention to this analogy carefully;
Picture a Keke Napep in your head. It has an engine that keeps it moving, seats that provide comfort for those who ride it and has a typical yellow and black color, right? Good!
The yellow and black color is part of the UI while the seats are part of the UX.
From this analogy, you would note that one deals with physical appeal and the other deals with the usage. (Can you identify which is UI and which is UX? Take a few seconds and identify it in your mind)
The color, which deals with the physical appeal represents the User interface while the seats represent the User experience.
Imagine if our Keke Napep have the beautiful yellow and black colors but no seats. (This is when you hear bad "UX" ; meaning a user is not having a good experience riding the Keke Napep)
Also, imagine if our Keke Napep doesn't have the yellow and black color. Let's say it is pink. That would be a funny color for a Keke Napep don't you think? I think so too. (This is when you hear "bad UI")
Now, bring this idea into design. A mobile app design for example. The UI is everything that speaks about how the users see the product. The typography, colors, shapes, icons, buttons etcetera.
The UX is everything that has to do with how usable the app is. "Is it easy to navigate the app?" is one of the concerns of the UX designer.
Another analogy is the latest update on the WhatsApp for Android. You can now listen to voice notes and leave the chat page. It was never like that but the new feature gives a better user experience.
What then is Product Design?
Simply, product design is UI/UX and more (like a queen and more, you get me? ;)
Let’s try another analogy.
At a typical Nigerian bus station, there are conductors, there are drivers. There are those who collect money from passengers and there are those who help passengers onload their belongings. If you’re new to the station, you mostly don’t know who will drive the vehicle.
Oftentimes, I’ve been to the park and after all the usual drama, I’m shocked to see the person who enters to drive the vehicle.
But there are days where the driver will be the one to collect the fee, onload the belongings, conduct and move the vehicle. Simply, he can also function in all other areas.
A product designer also wears many hats. He is multidisciplinary and can handle not only the graphic, digital aspect (e.g UI).
A product designer is also able to handle other aspects of a product (be it a mobile app, website etc) S/he can work on the UI, UX, Codes, Project management, and importantly, solves the overall problems that may be encountered in a product.
There you have it! It’s really as simple as the analogies.
If you got value and clarity, do well to share with someone. 💚
You can also sign up for the 2022 Aorthar bootcamp to learn more on becoming a certified UI/UX designer and a Product designer. Click this link: selar.co/jz2h
See you 💚
