There is a common misconception about UI developers and front-end developers that they are basically doing the same job. I have heard this many times, not only from ordinary people but also from people working in the IT industry. To solve this problem, I decided to draw a clear line between these two equally important, equally interesting, but very different professions.
Let’s start with the definition of user interface (UI). In the digital industry, user interface means every detail (screen, keyboard, mouse, additional controllers, etc.) that users can control or interact with across various devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones).
Interface development, whether for an app, website, game, or emulator (especially emulators, in fact) is a complex process that includes elements of design, engineering, and psychology.
The main goal of an interface developer is to create convenient interfaces that meet the needs of users. To do this, you must understand and identify user efforts, goals, behavioral patterns, and model scenarios of user interactions. The more cross-industry areas you are proficient in (analytics, psychology, marketing, user experience), the better solutions you will be able to create.
Jobs of UI developers
For UI developers, the main working tool is Adobe Illustrator or similar software. It requires sketching and preparing graphic materials. Illustrator excels at working with vector graphics, and it can scale and adjust conceptual interfaces to different screen resolutions.
For accessibility tools, UI developers can also use Microsoft Expression Design and Expression Blend. Finally designers must delve into the UI guidelines of the relevant operating system according to which they wish to adapt the interface (Windows UI Guidelines, Mac OS Guidelines).
The key characteristic of a UI developer is logical thinking, which is why these people are never pure artists. UI designers are 100% technical personnel with only humanistic qualities. To solve the project's problems, mathematical methods must be used in conjunction with standard tools. As for the much-appreciated creativity - it is allowed only if standard tools do not provide a satisfactory solution.
UI developers have a clear set of priorities in mind.
1. First, the interface must be functional.
2. Secondly, it must be convenient without irritating the user's frequent work.
3. Finally, it must be "beautiful", that is, "beautiful" enough to attract the eye.
A good UI developer is a combination of design skills and technical knowledge, and their responsibility is to visually understand the user interface.
What about web front-end developers?
The front-end is the client that develops the web interface. Front-end developers are responsible for running and operating the interface, rather than the visual appearance designed by UI experts.
If we were to compare this to print media, then the UI developer would create the master layout and the front-end developer would do the page proofing for the actual print layout.
Front-end experts need to master many more programming skills than UI designers. They must understand the HTTP protocol, how servers and browsers work, and the features for displaying the web on the various devices currently on the market.
The challenge associated with front-end development is that the tools and technologies used to create the front-end of a website are constantly changing, so developers need to constantly understand how the field is evolving. The front end is usually built on three pillars. They are HTML, CSS and JavaScript. As a programmer, a front-end developer must also be trained in algorithms, data structures, coding patterns, object-oriented programming, and functional methods. (Recommended related video tutorials: "HTML Tutorial", "CSS Tutorial", "javascript Tutorial")
Usually, front-end developers Solutions to UI/UX problems must be found during the product development phase. That’s why having some basic UI developer skills is a huge advantage for them.
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