Hello, this is Brian Lewis. Today, let’s play a game of alphabet soup and explain the difference between user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). The web marketing industry uses an awful lot of acronyms and initials. UX is a popular term you may have heard before, but may not have known what it means. UX stands for User Experience and it really defines how well a visitor is able to accomplish what they want to accomplish while visiting a site. Can the user effectively accomplish something or do they run into any kinds of speed bumps?
What is User Interface (UI)?
UX is very important because if your site is not focused and visitors cannot achieve the certain task on their mind, then visitors will be more likely to visit the site and immediately bounce off. UI or user interface is an element of the user experience. Many people confuse UX and UI. UX is the user experience. UI is the user interface or interaction that defines the actual process, including the navigation, the buttons, and the links. The user interface is an important element of UX design. Another element of UX would be your messaging. Are you doing a really good job of articulating your value proposition? Trust is another factor. Will visitors feel comfortable continuing to use your site and trust in your knowledge and/or products?
Finally, the most important part of UX is visitor intent. A visitor may be in the early stages of research or looking to solve a problem and not realize a product exists to help them. Or, visitors may be ready to buy and call you up. Understanding different visitor intentions will help you focus your site on the different tasks that visitors want to accomplish. And this will create a good user experience for all people and make sure engagement continues.
