What is UI — about the user interface

When we use mobile apps, browse websites or run a variety of programs, we often don't think about what makes them intuitive and enjoyable to use. It is the user interface (UI) that is behind our positive experience. But what does UI really mean? Why is it so important? In this article, we will look at the definition of User Interface, discovering its key elements and importance in the daily use of technology.

Definition of UI

User Interface (UI) is an element of any modern system — it enables the user to interact with an application or program. The design of the interface is based on combining aspects of usability and aesthetics, increasing the satisfaction of the potential user.

UI elements include virtually all the elements visible on the screen — buttons, menus, and animations that create interactive elements and visuals. The UI specialist must demonstrate an aesthetic sense to create attractive interfaces that attract users.

User Interface Elements

UI design elements can be divided into several main categories, covering different aspects of user interface design. Here are the most important elements:

1. Navigation

Navigation menu (e.g. navigation bar, hamburger menu)
Links (hyperlinks to other sites)
Breadcrumbs
Search bar
Pagination (pagination)

2. Forms

Text fields (e.g. inputs for name, email)
Checkboxes (checkboxes)
Radio buttons (option buttons)
Date pickers
Dropdownny (drop-down lists)
Submit buttons

3. Buttons and controls

CTA (Call to Action) buttons
Icon buttons (e.g. button with trash icon)
Switches (toggles, switchery)
Sliders

4. Typography and text

Headers (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
Paragraph text (paragraphs)
Bulleted and numbered lists
Tooltips

5. multimedia

Images (e.g. banners, icons)
Video (embedded videos)
Audio (e.g. embedded podcasts)
Photo Galleries

6. Layout and grid

Containers (e.g. divas, cards)
Columns and rows (grid grid)
Modals and pop-ups
Sidebars
Footer and header (footer and header page)

7. Feedback and statuses

Notifications (e.g. toasts, banners)
Progress bars
Charging states (e.g. charging icons)
Error states (e.g. error messages)

8. Animations and effects

Transition animations (e.g. fade, slide)
Hover effects (e.g. color changes when you hover over the mouse)
Micro interactions (e.g. delicate click animations)

9. Icons and Illustrations

Vector icons (e.g. icons from Font Awesome)
Illustrations (e.g. infographics, drawings)
Logotipo

10. Colors and style

Color palette (e.g. primary colors, accents)
Shadows and gradients
Borders and margins
Stylized backgrounds (e.g. textures, patterns)

What should a properly designed UI look like?

A properly designed user interface should be intuitive to use, as well as combine functionality and aesthetics to create an easy-to-use environment. An important element is the logical arrangement of components, such as navigation buttons, which allow you to use the application quickly and without problems. Each component must have a clearly defined role to influence the effectiveness of user interaction.

Visual consistency is important, however; graphic elements and typography must work harmoniously together to provide a unified visual experience. In addition, adaptability to different screens is essential for the interface to work smoothly on both computers and mobile devices. This allows users to enjoy a great experience on any platform.

Increasing user satisfaction is the ultimate goal; a satisfied user is more likely to return to the application or website, which translates into its success.

UI and UX — the main differences

At first glance, the UI and UX (User Experience) may seem like similar concepts, but there are different aspects of design behind them.

UX design focuses on the overall user experience with the product, analyzing their behaviors and needs. It is UX that shapes the user's relationship with the product, aiming to create an intuitive and satisfying experience.

On the other hand, UI is the visual and technical aspects of the interface. UI specialists design aesthetic and functional visual elements. Their task is to ensure that all components of the interface are not only attractive, but also useful and easy to use.

While both approaches aim to improve the user experience, they use different tools and skills. UX design analyzes how users interact with a product, while UI creates specific elements that the user sees and interacts with. Thanks to this, the cooperation of UX and UI specialists allows to create a coherent and effective product that meets the expectations of users.

The Role of UI in Modern Business

A well-designed user interface not only improves the user experience, but also translates into higher conversion rates. The clarity and consistency of the UI build positive user experiences, influencing the perception of product value.

In the current competitive market, an effectively designed user interface can significantly strengthen the competitiveness of a company. Innovation in UI is essential to meet changing customer expectations.

UI Design Tools

Choosing the right UI design tools can significantly affect the efficiency of a designer's work.

1. figma

A popular tool for interface design and team collaboration in the cloud.
Features: interface design, prototyping, real-time collaboration tools.
It allows you to easily share projects and collaborate as a team.

2. Adobe XD

A tool from Adobe for UI/UX design and prototyping.
Integrates with other Adobe applications (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator).
Ability to create interactive prototypes, animations and test them on different devices.

3. skärm

Interface design application, especially popular among macOS users.
Functions: creating UI, prototyping, working with symbols (reusable components).
Strong community and availability of numerous plugins.

4. InVision Studio

Interaction design and prototyping tool.
It includes advanced animation features and the ability to collaborate as a team.
Great for designing animated interfaces and testing interactions.