User interface (UI) design is the process designers use to build interfaces in software or computerized devices, focusing on looks or style. Designers aim to create interfaces which users find easy to use and pleasurable. UI design refers to graphical user interfaces and other forms—e.g., voice-controlled interfaces.
The history of user interface design is closely linked to the history of computing. The first computers were operated by switches and punch cards, and the output was printed on paper. The invention of the graphical user interface (GUI) in the 1970s revolutionized computing, making it possible for users to interact with computers using a mouse and keyboard. The first GUI was developed at Xerox PARC, and it was later popularized by the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows.
Today, UI design is a critical part of the development process for any software product. A well-designed UI can make a product easy to use and enjoyable, while a poorly designed UI can make it frustrating and difficult to use. UI designers use a variety of tools and techniques to create effective interfaces, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing. The field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and platforms emerging all the time.