Back in 2019 when I was learning web design, I used to hear the word “UI/UX” everywhere.
At first, I honestly thought it was just another fancy name for graphics design — and that’s exactly the mistake so many beginners still make today.
But as I continued learning, building websites myself, using simple tools like Canva, and helping businesses get online, I finally understood what UI/UX designers truly do.
What a UI/UX Designer Actually Does
A UI/UX designer is responsible for creating digital experiences that feel smooth, easy, and enjoyable for users.
You know when you visit a website and everything just “flows”?
That’s UI/UX.
And when a website looks confusing and you immediately close the tab?
That’s the absence of UI/UX.
Here’s what UI/UX designers really do on a daily basis:
They Understand How Users Think
A UI/UX designer studies how people behave when using websites, apps, or digital products.
They ask questions like:
- What does the user want to achieve?
- What will make this process faster?
- Where will the user likely click first?
- What is confusing or slowing them down?
This is not guesswork — it’s intentional, and it influences every design decision.
They Design the Structure and Flow of a Website
Before writing a single line of code (which is not even necessary anymore in this AI era), UI/UX designers organize how a website works behind the scenes.
They create:
- Wireframes: simple layouts of each page
- User flows: how users navigate from one point to another
- Page hierarchy: what comes first, what comes next
This is like creating the blueprint of a house before construction begins.
They Design Visual Interfaces (UI)
UI is all about how the website looks.
The designer works with:
- Colors
- Fonts
- Buttons
- Icons
- Spacing
- Layout
Even when using tools like Canva, a UI/UX designer must make sure the visuals guide users smoothly through the content.
They Improve the User Experience (UX)
UX is the emotional side of design.
A UI/UX designer ensures that:
- The page loads fast
- The content is clear
- The user is not confused at any stage
- The website works on both mobile and desktop
- The steps to complete an action are minimal
In simple terms:
UX designers remove stress from the user’s journey.
They Test and Improve Before Launch
UI/UX designers don’t just design; they review and test.
They check what works and what doesn’t.
They fix spacing, reorder sections, remove unnecessary elements, and refine the entire experience until everything feels right.
Practical Example From My Experience
When I build websites today, here’s how UI/UX guides my process:
- I choose simple layouts instead of complex ones.
- I space content properly so the reader doesn’t feel choked.
- I make sure important information appears at the top.
- I avoid unnecessary graphics — this is not graphics design.
- I design for mobile first because 80% of people browse with phones.
This approach has helped many of my clients save time, attract customers, and improve engagement on their websites.
Do UI/UX Designers Need to Code?
No — not in this AI age.
Coding is far gone.
Tools like Canva, Figma, Framer, and website builders give you everything you need without touching a single line of code.
If you can think creatively and understand users, you can become a UI/UX designer today.
Can Anyone Become a UI/UX Designer?
Yes, anyone.
With consistency, curiosity, and practice, you can learn UI/UX.
You don’t need to be an artist, a programmer, or a tech guru.
You just need the willingness to keep improving.