For example, user interface tends to do more with the actual features of the device, such as the screen, buttons, scrolling features and sound; user experience is the more general term that deals with everything a user experiences from start to finish. People often confuse UI vs. UX because the two are closely connected. User interface is a key part of a user’s overall experience since it’s the part of a device that a user most interacts with, but it doesn’t cover the entirety of a user’s experience across a website or platform. 

One common metaphor for UI vs. UX is to compare them to restaurants. If UI is the plate, silverware and napkins, UX is the lighting, music and customer service that facilitates your dining experience. 

It’s important to understand the difference between UI and UX, especially if you’re interested in working on them professionally, because they each require different skill sets. In this article, we explore what these terms mean, how they are related and the difference between UI and UX.