Unveiling the Difference: Product Design vs. UI/UX Design
Before claiming the title “Product Designer,” you should know a few things.
I decided to invest my gap year in learning UI/UX design. Prior to this time, I already had a sense of how the concept of design works.
It’s been about two weeks of studying and re-learning about design. It is amazing how much more depth I now have in my understanding of design.
I came to understand that the design process involves more than just the User Interface. Before designing, extensive research should be conducted. This is known as the user experience process.
Not only should a good product have a good user interface (UI), but also a good user experience (UX).
Before going into the differences, a quick explanation of what UI and UX are about
UI (User Interface) design
UI (User Interface) design refers to the process of designing the visual layout and interaction elements of a user interface. It focuses on creating an interface that is visually appealing, logical, and user-friendly.
From our understanding of what UI is, the job of a user interface designer is to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces for digital products or systems.
UX (User Experience) designer
On the other end of the spectrum, UX design aims to create a positive and meaningful user experience by considering the entire user journey, from initial interaction to task completion.
It encompasses a combination of:
- User research
- Product analysis
- Problem-solving
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Creative design techniques.
- Testing and iterating, etc.
User experience design is the foundation of a digital product or system. It is one of the most essential and first processes to implement during product development.
Now, let us discuss Product Design
Here’s the twist: developing a new product or improving an existing one is essentially what product design entails.
The role of a product designer
A product designer is a professional who is responsible for the entire process of creating and developing a product, from the initial concept to the finished product. The gap between user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility is largely closed by a product designer.
A product designer’s role may vary depending on the organization and industry, but typically includes the following:
- Research and analysis
- Conceptualization and ideation
- User-centered design
- Design strategy and planning
- Prototyping and testing
- Collaboration and communication
- Iteration and improvement
- Design documentation, etc.
Uncovering the Differences: Using a Building as an Illustration
Let’s use the analogy of designing a building to illustrate the roles of a UI (User Interface) designer, a UX (User Experience) designer, and a product designer.
Product Designer: The product designer is like the architect of the building. They are responsible for the overall vision and strategy of the project. They consider various factors such as the building’s purpose, functionality, target audience, budget, and timeline.
The product designer collaborates with different stakeholders and coordinates the efforts of the UI and UX designers to ensure that the final product meets the needs and goals of all parties involved.
UX Designer: The UX designer is like the interior designer of the building. They focus on the user experience and how people will interact with the space. They conduct user research to understand the building’s occupants’ needs, preferences, and behaviors.
The UX designer then creates the layout, flow, and functionality of the building’s interior spaces, ensuring that they are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use. They consider factors such as wayfinding, accessibility, comfort, and functionality.
UI Designer: The UI designer is like the visual designer or decorator of the building. They are concerned with the aesthetics and visual elements of the building’s interior and exterior. They consider the brand identity, color schemes, typography, and graphical elements to create a visually appealing and cohesive design.
The UI designer focuses on the look and feel of the building, ensuring that it is visually engaging, communicates the desired message, and creates a positive emotional response for the occupants.
Bottomline,
In this analogy, the product designer takes a holistic approach, overseeing the entire project and ensuring that the building (product) is well-conceived, functional, and visually appealing. The UX designer focuses on the user experience and the usability of the building’s interior spaces, while the UI designer focuses on the visual design elements that enhance the overall aesthetic and emotional appeal of the building.
I hope this has changed your perspective on who a product designer is.
What kind of designer do you think you are based on the knowledge you have gained?
