In my last semester before graduating with a BFA in graphic design, I heard the terms UX & UI for the first time ever. After spending the last 3 years learning about principles of traditional design, my professor insisted that the industry was moving in this direction & that we should adapt. Eh too much work I thought at the time, thinking I could focus my career on what I knew & studied. Little did I know that my first job in design would throw me into the world of UX/UI on the fly. Although UX/UI share visual roots with traditional design, they're a whole new beast. Understanding where they differ and where they overlap is key to becoming a well-rounded digital designer.
Defining Terms
Before we dive into the differences, let’s break down what each term actually means. Traditional design refers to what we’re used to graphic design being. Logos, posters, social media posts, etc. They typically have a fixed layout, focus on aesthetics, and serve as one-way communication, meaning users don’t interact with the design other than just looking at it. UX (user experience) is all about how a user experiences a product or service. This includes researching, prototyping, testing and ensuring the product is useful and easy to use. UI (User Interface) design is the visual layer of a digital product, the look and feel. It ensures the design is not only looking good, but also consistent and clear.
Example
If you’re like me, definitions aren’t enough, it helps to see it played out in the real world. So let’s use a food delivery app as an example . A traditional designer might design the logo, brand colors, and other marketing materials. A UX designer would research how users typically search for restaurants and create a user flow based on their findings (Open app → Search → Browse → Add to cart → Checkout → Track delivery). They’re responsible for making sure each step feels logical, efficient, and user-friendly. A UI Designer would take that flow and style it, designing clean menus, readable typography, interactive buttons, and maybe even adding animations when the cart updates or an order is confirmed. Each role contributes to the final product, but in very different ways.
What Traditional Designers Bring to UX/UI
When I first stepped into the UX/UI world, I was intimidated. Being good at design didn’t automatically mean I was good at digital design. Traditional designers need to shift their mindset—from designing for visuals to designing for behavior and usability. Once that shift occurs, designers can become really powerful in the digital space. Visual hierarchy, composition, and overall aesthetic instincts still matter a lot and are incredibly valuable. Traditional designers have a strong eye for detail and typically know what looks good. This is so important, you can have a solid user flow, but if it doesn’t look good, it won’t connect with users. The challenge is learning to embrace functionality over perfection.
In conclusion, UX and UI are not too far off from traditional designs. They’re like siblings… or maybe cousins. Either way, they’re natural extensions of the skills many of us already have. As long as you focus on expanding what you know about design rather than abandoning it, the transition can be exciting and creatively fulfilling!
