UX company Vs Web design company: Understanding the differences
by Bijith
- July 12, 2023
- 5 mins read
A decade ago, when it came to designing a website, businesses would often depend on web designers to create an online presence quickly. However, things have changed significantly since then, and there has been a major shift in this practice. Multiple factors have driven this shift including the exponential growth of mobile and wearable device users, the rising interest in creativity and innovation, and the growing emphasis on user-centricity and experience. Today, UX UI designers lead the game, blending creativity with understanding user needs to make digital experiences memorable.
Can we think of "UX design" and "web design" as the same thing? Are there any significant distinctions between the two? And if you need to design user-centric and intuitive applications or websites, which company should you choose? This article answers all these questions and more. So, stay tuned!
UX design and Web design: A comparison
Based on my experience leading a UX designing agency, I've worked closely with web designers and UX designers. Here are the major differences I have noticed:
| ASPECT | UX DESIGN | WEB DESIGN |
| Future and scope | Primarily focuses on user experience | Primarily focuses on the website functionality |
| User-centered approach | Emphasize understanding user needs and behavior | Consider user needs but with a focus on visual appeal and functionality |
| Skill sets | User research, information architecture, interaction design, usability testing, prototyping, etc | Graphic design, layout design, front-end development( HTML, CSS, Javascript) |
| Design Process | User-centered design process: research, analysis, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration | Client requirements gathering, visual concept creation, client feedback, implementation |
| Application scope | Applicable to a wide range of digital products (websites, mobile apps, software interfaces, etc.) | Primarily focused on designing websites and web-based interfaces |
| Key deliverables | User personas, user flows, wireframes, prototypes, usability test results | Visual mockups, website layouts, responsive designs, front-end code |
| Primary considerations | User needs, goals, and satisfaction | Engaging and visually appealing website experience |
| Outcome | Optimal user experience, efficient and enjoyable interaction with the product | visually appealing website experience |
| Evaluation and improvement | Usability testing, user feedback analysis, iteration based on user insights | Client feedback, iterative improvements based on design and functionality |
The distinction between UX design and Web design could be blurred in some aspects depending on the project scope and requirements. Now, let's see what happens in a UX design company and a web design company. Let’s start by looking at their definitions.
Web design company
A web design company primarily focuses on designing websites quickly and in a cost-effective manner and includes a team of web designers who have expertise in creating visually appealing and functional websites. They are the go-to professionals if you need a small website to promote your company or business. They may not have extensive experience with other digital mediums such as mobile apps, VR, or TV interfaces. So, if your project involves these different mediums, consider seeking a partnership with a digital product design company with a broader skill set.
UX design company
A UX design company focuses on understanding users and their interactions with a product to design digital experiences that meet users' needs. They gather insights about users through research and interviews, identify business requirements and brainstorm on product challenges and ways to solve them. UI UX designers employ design thinking methodologies to iterate and design digital products.
They create user personas, information architecture, user flows, wireframes, and prototypes, and test their functionality and usability. Cross-functional collaboration, an iterative approach, and a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity are key aspects of UX design agencies.
What are the advantages of the UX method?
When it comes to designing websites or apps with an outstanding performance quotient, companies that prioritize UX methods as their design pillar truly stand out. Wondering why? Here are three key reasons:
- Users take center stage: In every design discussion, the spotlight is on the users. Their needs, preferences, and behaviors are thoroughly considered throughout the process. By keeping users at the forefront, a product design company ensures that the end product truly caters to their expectations.
- Prototypes and testing: Once prototypes are created, they are put to the test. Rigorous testing and assessment help designers identify any potential issues early on. This will help designers to resolve them swiftly, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience. By continuously iterating and improving, a product design firm delivers a product that meets the highest standards.
- Collaborative innovation: A UX company thrives on collaboration and gathering diverse ideas. Through close collaboration with the clients and team members, numerous possibilities are explored. The aim is to create designs that align perfectly with the business vision while meeting the user's needs, setting them apart from the competition.
A user-centered approach combined with continuous improvement is the key to achieving outstanding results.
How do we work as a UX design company?
- We start with UX workshops to understand your business model, target audience, and technology.
- Brainstorming sessions are held to solve different issues and improve the user experience.
- Discovery research is conducted, including customer interviews and analytics evaluation.
- User personas are created, incorporating valuable user inputs. These personas serve as the foundation for mapping the user journey, a crucial step in wireframe creation.
- Then our design team begins with prototyping, creating quick testable versions of the interface.
- Usability tests are conducted with the target audience, gathering valuable feedback for iterations and improvements.
- Designers create the final UI, producing visually appealing screens for developers to build.
To sum up, our approach revolves around prioritizing a deep understanding of our client's business goals and their target users. We believe that by truly grasping the essence of what our clients aim to achieve and gaining insights into their users' needs and preferences, we can create great user experiences. This user-centric perspective drives our design process and helps us deliver effective solutions.