Ever wondered what the difference is between a UI/UX designer and a Graphics designer ? In most cases, they both have the same fundamental skill sets and their difference is mainly in where and how they use their skills. This article helps explain the different things they do.

UX / UI designers most often work with interfaces and the digital space. That is to say they are sort of “graphic designers” who work mostly with technologies for the web and mobile applications. They must have notions of information architecture, ergonomics, web design (sometimes even web development, therefore notions of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JAVA, PHP, Python), behavioral psychology theory and research (for user interviews, user testing such as A/B testing or surveys) and interactive design (IxD). They use specific tools for the creation of interfaces, prototypes and wireframes such as Figma, Sketch and Adode XD. UX designers are very concern with how users interact with a product. Some designers focus only on UI design (user interface design, front-end development and visual design), others work only as UX designer (UX research, information architecture, interaction design, UX writer, UX content strategist) . Those who are doing both UX and UI design are named Product designer.

Graphic designers on the other hand work with digital technology, but very often with print (although it tends to disappear in certain areas). The product of their work is often more physical, that is to say it can be touched directly with your hands ( business cards, books, brochures, flyers, posters, banners, promotional articles etc.). Note that some of them work exclusively with print media. Graphic design theory and skills are however very useful and present in UX / UI design, such as : color theory, grids, ergonomics, graphic charts and the use of graphics software such as Illustrator, Indesign and Photoshop (which also allow prototypes and wireframes to be produced).

In a nutshell, there is not a clear cut difference between a graphics designer and a UI/UX designer. Graphic designer is more of a specialize and pixel focus role and UI/UX designer is a more multidisciplinary  and user focus role. Who you hire should depend on the task at hand. However, as a rule of thumb if you planing to build something like a website or mobile app and you need things like mock ups, wireframes, designs, and images then a UI/UX designer might suit the task. But if you are looking for something like a logo,  flyers, business cards and other promotional materials graphic designer might be best suited for your needs.