What is the difference between UI and UX design?

UX (user experience) is about how the product feels and flows — is it easy to use? Does it make sense? UI (user interface) is about how it looks — colors, typography, buttons, spacing. Good products need both. A beautiful UI on top of confusing UX still fails users.

Do I need UX research before design starts?

It really helps. Even a few user interviews or competitor analysis sessions can prevent expensive redesigns later. Agencies that skip research often deliver a product that looks good but does not actually solve the user's problem.

What deliverables should I expect from a UI/UX project?

Typically: user flows, wireframes (low-fidelity layouts), high-fidelity mockups (pixel-perfect designs), and a clickable prototype you can test before development. Some agencies also deliver a design system with reusable components.

How long does UI/UX design take?

For a mobile app or SaaS product, expect 4–8 weeks for a complete design. Simpler landing pages can be done in 1–2 weeks. The back-and-forth review cycles between you and the agency usually account for a significant portion of the timeline.

Which tools do UI/UX designers use?

Figma is the industry standard today. Some designers still use Adobe XD or Sketch. For prototyping, Figma handles most of it natively. For user research, tools like Maze or Hotjar are commonly used.