What Does a UX/UI Designer Do in Web Design?

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share some insights into what UX/UI designers actually do in web design. It’s a topic that often comes up in our community, so let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for anyone diving into web design.

What’s the difference between UX and UI?

UX (User Experience) is about how something feels when you use it. Whether it’s navigating a website, completing a form, or finding the right information, a good UX design makes the experience smooth and intuitive.

UI (User Interface), on the other hand, focuses on how everything looks. It’s the visual layer—buttons, fonts, colors, and layouts—that sits on top of the user experience framework.

Think of UX as the skeleton and UI as the skin that brings it to life.

How do UX and UI work together?

Great design happens when UX and UI work seamlessly. A UX designer maps out how a visitor should journey through the site, ensuring every step feels logical. The UI designer then styles this journey, making it visually appealing and easy to interact with.

A good UX/UI designer will ask questions like:

How can we make this website easy to use?
Does this button stand out enough to click?
Where should the most important information go?

Why does it matter?

Poor UX/UI can frustrate visitors, and no one sticks around on a frustrating website. But a thoughtful design can guide users, build trust, and boost conversions.

Remember, it’s not just about looking good; it’s about working well too.

Tools of the trade

Some popular tools UX/UI designers use include Figma, Adobe XD, and even Squarespace for simpler builds. But the real secret? Testing. Designers don’t just throw designs out there and hope for the best—they test, gather feedback, tweak, and repeat until it works.

What can you take away from this?

If you’re just starting out or building your own website with something like Squarespace, you don’t need to be a professional UX/UI designer to apply these principles. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

Think like your user: Imagine visiting your site for the first time. Is it clear what to do next? If not, simplify.
Prioritize your content: Decide what’s most important and make it easy to find.
Keep it clean: Too much clutter confuses visitors. Use plenty of white space to let your content breathe.
Test with friends: Ask someone who’s not familiar with your site to try it out. Watch how they navigate and make changes based on their feedback.

These simple steps can make a big difference, even if you design solo.

My takeaway

Next time you’re on a site that feels effortless, remember that a UX/UI designer likely put in hours solving problems you didn’t even notice. That’s the magic of good design—it gets out of the way and just works.

If you want to improve your skills, check out the resources we’ve got here or drop your questions below. Let’s help each other level up.

Cheers, Elwyn

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