When people hear design, most of the time they think of visuals like colors, layouts, typography, and aesthetics. And it’s easy to see why: a beautiful interface catches the eye. But when it comes to UX Design (User Experience Design), beauty alone doesn’t always mean usability.
Imagine this: an accountant logs into a shiny new accounting tool. The interface is colorful, the visuals look polished, but there are icons everywhere, menus hidden in odd places, and clutter at every step. Sure, it looks great — but does it actually help the accountant do their work faster and easier? Not really.
That’s the heart of the difference between UX design and graphic design.
Graphic design is about how something looks. UX design is about how something works.
Good UX design starts long before the first screen is sketched. It begins with understanding the people who will actually use the product — their goals, frustrations, and day-to-day context.
As UX designers, we need to be that reliable friend who always has a solution ready. Imagine sitting down for lunch: if you need sanitizer, your friend hands it over; if you need a fork, it’s right there. That’s what UX designers do — they anticipate user needs and make sure the right solution is in place before the problem even slows someone down.
To get there, we have to put aside our assumptions and talk to real users. Because at the end of the day, they’re the ones using the app every day, not us.
User research comes in many forms, each shedding light on how people interact with tools and services:
But it doesn’t stop there. Modern design processes require constant validation:
This is especially important in agile environments, where rapid development cycles can sometimes push teams in directions that don’t align with user needs. Regular prototype reviews and usability tests act as checkpoints, making sure we’re still solving the right problems.
Now, don’t get me wrong — UX design doesn’t mean ignoring aesthetics. In fact, visuals and emotions play a huge role in how people experience a product.
Think about Google Pay: every time a payment goes through, users see a little animation or hear a cheerful sound. That’s not just decoration — it’s reassurance, a small moment of delight that reinforces trust in the product.
The goal is balance. A product should look good, yes. But more importantly, it should feel effortless to use.
Graphic design makes things look beautiful. UX design makes things work beautifully.
The next time you see a sleek app, ask yourself: does this just look good, or does it also make the user’s life easier? Because true design isn’t only about pleasing the eye — it’s about creating experiences that work, support, and delight.