Welcome to the Topic “Exploring the Differences between Web Design and Web Development.”
If you are new to the ever-green world of web design and web development world, it can be difficult to determine the differences between the two. After all, they both seem to involve creating websites.
In reality, there are a few notable differences between these two disciplines – and understanding them is critical in choosing the right career path (or hiring the right team member) for your business.
So what are the differences between web design and web development? Keep reading to find out.
What is web design?
Web design is the art of creating beautiful websites that people will want to visit. It’s a blend of creativity and technical know-how, becoming increasingly important in recent years as more and more businesses move online.
A good web designer must have an eye for aesthetics, a solid understanding of web standards, and the capability to convert complex ideas into simple, easy-to-use interfaces. In other words, they need to be able to make the internet look good.
Whether you want to become a skilled web designer or are just curious about what goes into making a great website, read on. We’ll give you an overview of your skills to succeed in this ever-changing field.
Some common skills that a web designer uses are:
- Adobe Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) and other similar designing software.
- Graphic design
- UI design
- Branding
- Wireframes, mock-ups, and storyboards
- UX design
- Logo design
- Layout/format
- Placing call-to-action buttons
- Color palettes
- Typography
You could say that web design is all about making a good first impression. After all, users will form an opinion about a website within seconds of landing on the home page.
Therefore, designers need to create a visual appearance that is aesthetically pleasing and conveys the right message about the company or organization.
In recent times, you will see a major shift from traditional web design principles in favor of a more user-centric approach.
This means that designers are increasingly focused on creating an optimal user experience rather than simply making a site look good.
However, no matter what trends come and go, the basics of good web design will always remain the same.
What is web development?
Web development is responsible for everything that makes a website work. It can be divided into two distinct categories: front-end and back-end.
Front-end web development refers to everything the user sees and interacts with, including the layout, design, and user experience.
On the other hand, back-end web development governs the behind-the-scenes functionality of a website, such as a server configuration, database management, and security.
Both front-end and back-end web development is essential for building a successful website. And while they both involve writing code, they require different skill sets.
Front-end developers must be well-versed in design principles, while back-end developers must have a strong understanding of server architecture.
Some common skills and tools that most front-end developers prefer to use are:
- Coding Tasks
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript
- CSS preprocessors (i.e., LESS or Sass)
- Git and GitHub
- Frameworks (i.e., AngularJS, ReactJS, Ember)
- Web template design
- Libraries (i.e., jQuery)
- On-site search engine optimization (SEO)
Web designs vs. web development — Major differences at a glance
When it’s about web designing and development, there are two camps: those who think they are the same thing and those who know better. For the former group, we say this: Just because you can build a website does not mean you can design one.
And for the latter group, we say this: Just because you can design a website does not mean you can build one. The truth is a web design and web development are two distinct disciplines, each with skills and abilities.
So what exactly sets web designers and web developers apart? Here are some notable differences between web design and web development.
Web designing does not involve coding work.
Web design refers to a website’s general look and feel. This encompasses everything from the site’s layout to the colors and fonts used. Crucially, web design does not involve any coding work.
This is in contrast to web development, which includes a variety of coding tasks such as developing dynamic websites, creating e-commerce platforms, and developing apps.
While web designers need to have an eye for aesthetics, web developers need the technical skills to turn their designs into reality.
These terms are used interchangeably but indicate different aspects of creating a website.
Differences In Technical Aspects
The design of a website is like the design of a house. Both require a firm foundation and a skilled hand to create a final product that is both visually appealing and functional. However, the similarity ends there.
While a home builder relies on years of experience and muscle memory to construct a house, a web designer relies on cutting-edge software and an eye for aesthetics to create a website.
Similarly, while a home builder sources materials from established suppliers, a web developer writes code from scratch, piecing together lines of code like building blocks to create a finished product.
In short, web design and development are two distinct disciplines requiring different skill sets and approaches.
However, the lines between the two are often blurred, as many designers have coding skills, and developers also have an eye for design.
What matters most is creating a website that looks great and works well for its intended purpose.
Difference in Time
The design of a website is an important factor in its overall success. A well-designed site will be easy to navigate and look good, while a poorly designed site will be confusing and off-putting to visitors. Because of this, web designers tend to spend more time on a project than web developers.
However, this varies from project to project. In some cases, the development of a website may take longer than the design, while in others, the two may be completed in tandem.
Ultimately, the client will decide how much time should be spent on each stage of the process.
Different Approach
The internet has become integral to the way businesses operate. To stay competitive, businesses need to have a well-designed website that is easy to use and informative.
For many businesses, this means commissioning a web designer to create a new website or improve their existing site.
However, some businesses have more specific needs that require custom applications or systems. Businesses need to commission a web developer to create a bespoke solution in these cases.
While web design and development are both essential for businesses, they are two distinct disciplines with different techniques and approaches.
Difference In Creativity and Flexibility
Web design is often seen as the more creative option. After all, designers have the freedom to create a unique visual experience that reflects the client’s brand identity. They also have the flexibility to experiment with different layout options and color schemes.
However, web design is not as common as web development, which focuses on creating functional and easy-to-use websites.
As a result, clients who want a more custom-designed website may have to pay more for the privilege. But for those who value creativity and flexibility, web design is the way to go.
To Conclude:
So, what are the differences between web design and web development? In short, web design is all about the looks and feel of a website, while web development is focused on functionality and technical aspects. Of course, more goes into it than that, but those are the basics.
If you still cannot figure out which one you need for your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would be happy to help!
Have any questions regarding the topic “Web Design vs. Web Development: The Differences” feel free to comment below.
Also Read: What Does a Web Designer Do?
