User Interface (UI) Design

User Interface Design/UI (often co-dependent with User Experience - UI/UX), represents the overall effect of the visual presentation or look & feel of an object of visual communication (website, video, control panel, tool etc) on the user as it regards the orientation, function, and understanding of the various parts of the object. In Web Design, User Interface Design describes, and seeks to provide an orientation (layout) and presentation that facilitates usability (intuitive, accessible, and efficient access and use of functions.

In addition to what is presented by the media object (website, video, remote control etc), the effectiveness of User Interface Design is dependent upon the ability and disposition of the user to assimilate (understand) the communicated visual effect as intended by the UI designer. As such, User Interface Design must be aware of, and take into account the culture (history, training, profession, etc) and context (environment, location, connotations etc) that accompany the presented User Interface.

Successful User Interface Design goes beyond Graphic Design and must involve elements of Cultural Communication, Message Design, Environment, and Media characteristics in order to be effective. It is at this level that User Interface Design must work in tandem with User Experience Design. 

UX differs from UI by the fact that User Experiece is no based on the static layout/look of the website or communicative object, but mainly about how navigable and 'rewarding' the process of finding and consuming relevant content. UI on the other hand mainly affects the visual representation (brand memory) of the website/application.

The success of this union is better understood and evaluated by using ethnographic methods of evaluation such as focus groups to review the possible and reasonable steps and processes that can be taken by a user in a given situation.

Message Design