<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="65" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> UI Design Certificate </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Design the user interfaces of tomorrow </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>Master the art of UI design for websites and mobile apps in this comprehensive program. Learn essential concepts like composition, typography, color, and interactivity using tools like Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Create responsive designs and build a professional portfolio to showcase your skills to potential clients and employers.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-65" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-65" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://www.nobledesktop.com/certificates/visual-design/?utm_source=fortune&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=[dynamic]post-id[/dynamic]">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Noble_logo-n-only.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://www.nobledesktop.com/certificates/visual-design/?utm_source=fortune&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=[dynamic]post-id[/dynamic]">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

<div class="edu-card" data-widget-id="66" data-cy="edu-card"> <div class="edu-card-banner" data-cy="edu-card-banner"> Advertisement </div> <div class="edu-card-container" data-cy="edu-card-container"> <div class="edu-card-content" data-cy="edu-card-content"> <div class="edu-card-title" data-cy="edu-card-title"> <h1 class="edu-card-title-heading" data-cy="edu-card-title-heading"> UX & UI Design Certificate </h1> <p class="edu-card-title-subheading" data-cy="edu-card-title-subheading"> Learn how to design with purpose </p> </div> <div class="edu-card-content-description" data-cy="edu-card-content-description"> <div class="edu-card-content-description-content"> <p>User-centered design is the future. Join the movement with our hands-on certificate program. Build and test prototypes with Figma, learn the principles of good UX/UI design, and prepare for the industry with 1-on-1 mentoring sessions.</p> </div> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore"> <input type="checkbox" id="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-66" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input" /> <label for="edu-card-content-description-readmore-input-66" class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label"> <span class="edu-card-content-description-readmore-label-arrow"></span> </label> </span> </div> <a class="edu-card-content-button" target="_blank" href="https://www.nobledesktop.com/classes/ux-ui-design-program/?utm_source=fortune&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=[dynamic]post-id[/dynamic]">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-content-caption"> </span> </div> <div class="edu-card-action" data-cy="edu-card-action"> <picture class="edu-card-picture" data-cy="edu-card-picture"> <img src="https://fortune.com/img-assets/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Noble_logo-n-only.png?w=250&amp;h=165" class=""> <span class="edu-card-picture-label"> </span> </picture> <div class="edu-card-action-cta" data-cy="edu-card-action-cta"> <a class="edu-card-action-button" target="_blank" href="https://www.nobledesktop.com/classes/ux-ui-design-program/?utm_source=fortune&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=[dynamic]post-id[/dynamic]">Visit Website</a> <span class="edu-card-action-caption"> </span> </div> </div> </div></div><script> function checkWidgets() { document.querySelectorAll('.edu-card-content-description-content').forEach((content) => { const readMoreBtn = content.nextElementSibling; if (!readMoreBtn) { return; } if (content && content.clientHeight === content.scrollHeight) { readMoreBtn.style.display = 'none'; } else { delete readMoreBtn.style.removeProperty('display'); } }) } window.removeEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); window.addEventListener('resize', checkWidgets); checkWidgets();</script>

ad_UX/UI Bootcamps

cat_Other

Low Intent

ptype_Explainer

Preston Fore

<p>With an increasingly technological world— with shorter attention spans—having effective user design is paramount for any business. The new main components, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/best-ux-ui-bootcamps/">user interface (UI) and user experience (UX)</a>, work hand-in-hand to make users have easy and engaging interactions with a company and its products and services.</p><div class="paywall-selector"></div><div class="paywall">



<p><a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/what-is-ux-design">UX is everything</a>, according to Ori Bendet, vice president of product management at Checkmarx—a company that describes itself as having simple and seamless UX within its products.</p>



<p>“Gone are the days of users who invest time in learning systems. It has to be flawless, and it has to be intuitive to use. People have less tolerance to learning new things and they judge applications within mere minutes if not seconds,” Bendet tells <em>Fortune</em>.</p>



<p>So, with it clear that UI and UX are important—what is the difference between the two? They are sometimes used interchangeably or simply paired together as ‘UI/UX.’ </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How does UX and UI compare?</h2>



<p>One way to picture the distinction between UX and UI is to think of the season of the popular workplace sitcom “The Office” in which co-managers were introduced. Michael Scott was put in charge of the big picture, and Jim Halpert led the day-to-day operations. </p>



<p>In a sense, UX is like Michael and refers to the broader user experience and looks at the entire journey of a user engaging with products and services. UI, on the other hand, is more like Jim, and focuses more closely on how all the elements, particularly visual ones, come together to facilitate reality. </p>



<p>Analogies aside, UX and UI differ in many key ways:</p>



<p><strong>Big picture vs. details</strong></p>



<p>UX tends to focus on the overarching end-to-end experience that matches a company’s goals and strategy. So, critical thinking and problem solving skills come into play nearly everyday. UI designers look more at the fine print of how a specific color palette may be more appealing to the eyes or how an experience may be responsive and change from mobile to laptop to desktop devices.</p>



<p><strong>Impression vs. hierarchy</strong></p>



<p>First impressions matter, and they’re no different with products and services. Users can decide what they think about a company or an experience in a matter of seconds, and it is UX designers’ jobs to think about all the factors at play and ensure individuals leave with a positive feeling. UI designers create the visual reality to drive users through the experience. Believe it or not, but the colors, size, and placement of elements do tend to affect how people interact.</p>



<p><strong>Prototype vs. reality</strong></p>



<p>UX designers spend time conducting and working with usability research, meaning they know the ins-and-outs of how the most engaged users function. Resultantly, they’re experts at products like Adobe XD which allow the creation of skeletal product mapping through prototyping. On the other hand, UI designers are tasked with making all the ideas, prototypes, and desires become a reality. From a website perspective, for example, everything from the color and font of text to how a button changes when you hover or click is carefully considered and curated. </p>



<p>“To this effect, the two disciplines are distinctly different but necessary to deliver a well-functioning and visually appealing experience that delights users,” says David Phelps, head of the display division at Samsung Electronics America. “UI and UX designers today must embrace new strategies to captivate target audiences at every point of contact to maintain a competitive edge.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where can you learn UI/UX?</h2>



<p>Because of their conjoined nature, <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/how-to-get-into-ux-design/" data-type="link" data-id="https://fortune.com/education/articles/how-to-get-into-ux-design/">UI/UX educational programs</a> are often paired together. Few universities offer straight-up degrees focused on UI/UX, but you are likely to find courses relevant to the field within marketing, communication, or computer science departments.</p>



<p>Several <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/is-a-ux-bootcamp-worth-it/">bootcamp companies offer UI/UX design programming</a>, which may allow you to gain the necessary technical skills with added flexibility. It may also be worth looking at the bootcamps and certification programs offered by universities and companies. Depending on the program, the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/how-much-is-a-ux-bootcamp/">bootcamp price</a> may be cheaper than a traditional degree while at the same time still offering project-based learning, resume and networking help, and mentorship opportunities.</p>



<p>But beyond that, you can gain experience with UI/UX by analyzing all parts of your daily life, Phelps says. What attracts your attention when you first visit a website? How are grocery stores designed to naturally move you through and attract your interest? How do road signs differ across jurisdictions? </p>



<p>Regardless, some of the most important skills to have if you want to be a UI/UX designer are the softer skills. You will be working alongside a team of designers, writers, researchers, programmers, and more—so having effective communication, collaboration, and problem solving are essential. </p>



<p>“As always, start with the why. Think about why you are interested in UI/UX. Talk to people who made a similar move and learn from them; ask them what they like and dislike in their job. Getting a mentor is always a good starting point and there are multiple communities around the globe to help you get started,” Bendet adds.</p>



<div class="wp-block-group pro-tip-box-widget"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
<h3 class="wp-block-heading pro-tip-box-heading">Read more</h3>



<li>One of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/bootcamps/best-data-science-and-analytics-bootcamps/">best data science and analytics bootcamps</a> can boost your professional skillset.</li>
<li>Cybersecurity is essential in the modern workforce. Choose from our list of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/bootcamps/best-cybersecurity-bootcamps/">best cybersecurity bootcamps</a> to help you hone that skill.</li>
<li>Check out some of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/best-software-engineering-bootcamps/">best software engineering bootcamps</a> to help you expand your potential career opportunities.</li>
<li>Need to upgrade your website? Read our ranking of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/best-ux-ui-bootcamps/">best UX/UI bootcamps</a>.</li>
<li>Our ranking of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/web-development-bootcamps/">best web development bootcamps</a> is a great resource for those hoping to become a developer.</li>
<li>Interested in learning more about how AI can help your career? Check out our list of <a href="https://fortune.com/education/articles/ai-bootcamps/">AI bootcamps</a>.</li>
<li>This list of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/best-online-masters-in-data-science/">best online data scientist masters programs</a> can help you find the program that best fits your schedule.</li>
<li>Choose from our selection of the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/best-online-masters-in-computer-science/">best online masters in computer science programs</a> to help you make your next career move.</li>
<li>We’ve compiled the <a href="https://fortune.com/education/information-technology/best-online-masters-in-cybersecurity/">best online masters in cybersecurity</a> to help you find a convenient program that fits in your routine.</li>
</div></div>
</div>

User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design rely on each other, but with them often being paired together—how do you distinguish between the two?

What is the difference between UX vs UI design?

With phones in their left hands, UX designers work on a project on the table in front of them.

F-Search

Education

Education Articles

Jasmine Suarez

Business

Design Thinking

Fortune earns a commission for purchases made from affiliate partners via some links on our site; other links are not affiliate partner links. <a href='/affiliate-disclosure/'>Click here</a> to read the full Fortune advertiser disclosure and how we earn commissions.

We have independently evaluated the products and services below. We may earn affiliate revenue from links in the content.

Fortune Editors

Fortune Education is designed to be your guide to navigating this new, rich and somewhat overwhelming world of education. Our team of experienced editors is committed to scouring the universe of online offerings in order to rank, rate, provide comparisons and recommend the right solutions for you and your career.

Fortune Education

Uncategorized

homepage

articles

Articles Hub

By Region

By State

By Cost

Career Hub

Health and Wellness

Tech

EDUCATION

EDUCATION ARTICLES

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UX VS UI DESIGN?

What is the difference between UX vs UI design? | Fortune Education

2024 real estate school review: AceableAgent

https://fortune.com/education/articles/real-estate-school-review-aceableagent/?itm_source=parsely-api

Northwestern, Columbia, and UPenn have the best EMBA programs in the country. Here's why

https://fortune.com/education/articles/best-exec-mba-programs-news/?itm_source=parsely-api

Rich Griset

10 free data analytics courses you can take online

https://fortune.com/education/articles/free-data-analytics-courses/?itm_source=parsely-api

Brit Morse

A law associate making $300,000 a year at Skadden Arps quit over the firm’s deal with Donald Trump

/article/rachel-cohen-making-300k-year-law-associate-skadden-arps-quit-protest-firms-deal-trump/

Get ready to pay more than $2,000 for a new iPhone: Experts say Trump’s 125% tariff on China is a ‘complete disaster for Apple’ akin to ‘Armageddon’

/2025/04/10/apple-iphone-16-price-complete-disaster-china-trump-tariffs/

It’s about to get a lot harder for job seekers as tariffs are set to make the hiring landscape even more daunting

/2025/04/07/trump-tariffs-labor-market-more-challenging-job-seekers-economists-say/

This company does peer performance reviews—And then lets everyone read each other’s evaluations

/2025/03/24/performance-review-process-company-allows-all-workers-read-garner-health-workplace-culture/

2024 health coach certification review: Catalyst Coaching Institute

/education/articles/health-coach-certification-review-catalyst-coaching-institute/

A guide to a nurse’s salary: Broken down by all 50 states and industry type

/education/careers/nurse-salary/

2024 health coach certification review: Institute for Integrative Nutrition

/education/articles/health-coach-certification-review-institute-for-integrative-nutrition/

10 high-paying public health jobs right now

/education/careers/public-health-jobs/

Whether you’ve just completed your undergraduate degree or you are a professional with years of experience, Fortune is here to guide you on the next step of your educational journey.

What is the difference between UX vs UI design?

About the Contributors

Top Articles

2024 real estate school review: AceableAgent

Northwestern, Columbia, and UPenn have the best EMBA programs in the country. Here's why

10 free data analytics courses you can take online

UX & UI Design Certificate