In interviews, portfolios, and even real projects, I continue to see designers confuse how something looks with how it works.

Let’s clear this up — using real, practical thinking.

What UI Really Is

UI (User Interface) is what users see.

It focuses on:

• Colors
• Typography
• Buttons
• Layout
• Visual consistency

UI asks one main question:
“Does this look good?”

Good UI attracts users.
But attraction alone doesn’t keep them.

What UX Really Is

UX (User Experience) is what users feel and experience.

It focuses on:

• Flow
• Clarity
• Effort
• Emotions
• Decision-making

UX asks a deeper question:
“Does this make sense?”

Good UX reduces confusion, effort, and hesitation.

A Simple Real-World Difference

You can have:

• A beautiful button (UI)
• Placed in the wrong moment (bad UX)

Or:

• A simple button (average UI)
• Placed exactly when the user needs it (great UX)

Users remember ease, not aesthetics.

Why Great Products Need Both

UI and UX are not competitors.
They are collaborators.

But here’s the truth many avoid saying:

👉 UX leads. UI supports.

When UX is weak, no amount of visual polish can save the experience.
When UX is strong, even simple UI works surprisingly well.

Why This Matters in Interviews

Many candidates explain:

• Fonts
• Colors
• Components

But hiring managers listen for:

• User intent
• Flow decisions
• Trade-offs

That’s why strong UX explanations stand out instantly.

The One Line to Remember

UI is how it looks.
UX is how it works.

And in 2026, how it works matters more than ever.