Where do UX and UI overlap?Scan online job listings, and you'll notice employers seeking UX/UI designers— digital designers who can fulfill both roles. This may be a stretch, but it's possible, says Hugo."You can work in a team where you have UI designers and UX designers as separate disciplines," he says. "But a product designer or UX designer might take on UI responsibilities, working alongside someone like a business analyst to understand all of the scenarios that need to be covered." While UI is generally understood as a specialized subset of UX work, there are three key areas of overlap:User-centered design expertise. Both disciplines require designers to develop empathy for the end user and consider how users want to use a product or site.Cross-functional teams. Designers working on UI and UX must collaborate closely with graphic designers and developers to make products and sites appealing, accessible, and usable.Design tools. UX and UI designers use many of the same tools, such as Figma’s design system software , prototyping tool, UI design tool and UX design tool.
I found it really interesting that UI is often considered a specialized part of UX. I never realized how much overlap there is between the two, especially when it comes to user centered design, cross functional teamwork, and even using the same tools. It also makes sense now why so many job postings ask for UX/UI designers rather than separating the roles.