UI (short for User Interface) is everything you see and interact with on a digital screen — buttons, menus, colors, icons, text, layouts, and more.
The term comes from the world of computing and design. “Interface” means the point where two systems meet — in this case, the user and the machine. UI is how the product looks and how it visually communicates what’s possible. If UX is the experience of riding a bike, UI is the handlebars, pedals, and gears — the parts you touch and control.
Think of your favorite app. The smooth animations, clear icons, intuitive layout, and color scheme — that’s all UI. A well-designed UI makes things feel simple and natural. A messy or inconsistent UI, on the other hand, can confuse users or make them feel lost, even if the product itself works fine.
UI designers work closely with UX designers. While UX focuses on how things work, UI focuses on how things look and feel. It’s about clarity, consistency, accessibility, and aesthetics.
Want to explore more? Check out this intro to UI design by CareerFoundry.
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