Web Design Vs. Web Development: Know the Basic Difference

Introduction

In the early days of the internet, the responsibilities of a web designer and a web developer were separated by their skills and requirements. Designers design the website while developers code the website. However, the situation today is a bit different. With the rapid development of technology and the no-code era that is blooming, it is difficult to segregate these two duties. There would hardly be any designer without a little technical knowledge or a coder who cannot create a visually minimalist, simple website.

 

Definitions of a web development and design

 

We'll give a small example to get started with understanding the fundamental differences between web design and web development. Consider a car and how different jobs are required to get one ready to sell.

 

A web developer would be responsible for implementing the technical components of a car, like an engine, transmission, wheels, etc. The job of a web developer is to construct a fully-functional car that is error-free in its technical aspect. 

 

A web designer would be responsible for the presentation of the car. No matter how strong your engine is, you always look at the exterior design of a vehicle before making a decision. Hence, a web designer would design the exterior looks and aesthetics of the car. They would have to ensure that there is comfort in the car, the dashboard layout, and the interiors in the car. The designers would also be responsible for convenience in driving and riding in the car. 

 

What's web development?

 

A web developer governs the coding of a website that makes it run. A developer can be responsible for the back-end, front-end, or both. 

 

What's web design?

 

A web designer is responsible for the visuals and responsive web design. A web designer's responsibilities are the color scheme, layout, information flow, and everything related to the visual aspects of the user interface and user experience.

 

 

Web development vs. web design

 

Functions

 

Developer: The primary function of a developer is to write the code for the implementation of the design of a page or an entire website. A comprehensive and easy-to-use internet platform that clients, customers, coworkers, and other interested parties can utilize. They use text, photos, graphics, videos, and other tools for the web development process to create appealing websites with which visitors want to interact.

 

Designer: A web designer is in charge of the design and the visual look and feel of a website. This includes designing the layout of a website, from color palettes to web design or graphic design. It also refers to creating a new website or updating an existing one.

 

Tools used

 

Developer: A developer uses fewer tools than they use languages. A developer has to know various coding languages to be able to run a website. Some of the primary languages are HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

 

Designer: A designer uses many creative tools. These tools help them reach their goal of visualization of the website. Their tools include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Inkscape, and GIMP Skills

 

Skills

 

Developer: A developer requires non-technical skills like problem-solving, analytical, and logical skills. The technical skills required are the various coding and programming languages, Javascript framework, testing, debugging, back-end databases, content management systems, and search engine optimization. 

 

Designer: The skill sets of a designer vary from project to project. However, every designer should have creative and artistic skills. A web designer should be an excellent graphic designer also. They should possess a little understanding of HTML and CSS. Web designers must also be knowledgeable in various web hosting platforms, databases, and marketing and promotion techniques.

 

Types

 

Developer: There are three options for developers. The front-end developers develop codes for the part of the website that interacts with the users. It is also called the client side of the application. The back-end developers deal with the server of the website. They ensure that everything on the client side of the website is working fine and handle the storage and arrangement of the data. This part of the website cannot be seen or interacted with by the users. Full-stack developers are a combination of front-end and back-end developers. They can design complete web applications and websites.

 

Designer: Designers also have three options in this field. User experience (UX) designers work to ensure that the website is organized to engage users and provide a satisfying user experience. Their responsibility is to design with people in mind. Interactions are prioritized by User interface (UI) designers. Their job is to improve a website's usability and optimize it so that it promotes conversions. As their name suggests, visual designers deal with a website's optical components and layout. In this project, elements of both UI and UX design are combined.

 

When to hire

 

Developer: Hire a developer when you want to build a custom website, code your website for functionality, increase your website's speed and traffic capacity, or add animations, videos, or content sliders to your website.

 

Designer: Hire a designer if you want to order and arrange the visual layout of your site's landing page, create an eye-catching and responsive website layout, increase your website's user-friendliness or conversion rates, or revise your site's design for better SEO. Hire a designer to get a good web design.

 

Weaknesses

 

Developer: A developer can code for countless hours, but they cannot handle server crashes, EPS extension files, bosses who don't know how to code, and carpal tunnel problems. 

 

Designer: A designer would probably have their heads in the clouds bursting with numerous ideas to make the website visually appealing. But they fear databases, client revisions, fixed price billing, Perl, and PCs.

 

Benefits of using a web developer

 

• They create Search Engine Optimization (SEO) websites that would help with the rankings.
• In addition, since the significant internet traffic is from mobile phones, a web developer would help make a mobile-responsive website.
• Provides a Better First Impression.
• With an SEO website, the search rankings would improve.
• A well-coded website would reduce bounce rates.
• Hiring a professional would save money in re-doing the website again and again.
• A good website will help to establish a consistent brand identity.

 

Benefits of using a web designer

 

• A web designer makes a user-friendly design interface.
• There would be an ease of navigation.
• If the customer experience is good, it will help reach more customers.
• Boosts Sales and Revenue.
• A website that agrees with the coding will lead to a faster-loading website.
• It will also help with the conversion rates from visitors to users.
• A visually pleasing website will give a competitive advantage to the business.

 

Trends to watch out for web developers and designer

 

Upcoming things in web development: 

 

• Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
• AI Chatbots
• Accelerated Mobile Pages 
• Single Page applications 
• Optimized Voice Search 
• WordPress Development
• Improved Native Cybersecurity

 

Website design trends:

 

• Immersive 3D worlds
• Overstimulation
• Parallax zoom scrolling
• '90s navigation
• Scrapbook aesthetic
• Overlapping text
• Rehabilitating the 404

 

Conclusion

 

A web developer and a designer are essential elements for a successful website. Both have different skills and requirements. However, recent trends are blurring the lines between the two. Some of the best web design and web development companies have joined hands to create revolutionary projects.

 

FAQs

 

1) Is web design &web development the same?

 

To answer this, they are not the same. As mentioned above, they have many points of differentiation. But the lines between both roles are quickly blurring. 

 

2) How often should website content be updated?

 

As often as required. Some websites update their content every day. Companies should do a complete website update every two to three years.

 

3) Is web development hard?

 

It depends on one's interest and dedication. If your interest is in coding and understanding the mechanics of a website, then web development is for you. Also, web development is relatively easy with the many available tools.

 

4) What are web development frameworks?

 

Web development frameworks is a tool that helps to build and manage web applications, services, and websites.