Web Design and Web Development: Know the Meanings and Differences

Do you want to know the difference between a web designer and a web developer? 

It was simple in the earlier internet days: Web designers managed the look while developers wrote the site code. But, today, things are more subtle when creating a new website or 

revamping an established one. Website designers know HTML and CSS, and front-end developers can switch up wireframes. 

The fundamental ideas remain different as web designers build the user experience and visual elements like color schemes, typography, and responsive website design. Web developers handle the technological side of languages such as Java, Python, and PHP to develop websites and apps to run smoothly.

Therefore, without further ado, let us analyze these two and how they contribute to the websites and apps we love to use.

What is Web Design? 

Web design includes everything related to an online store’s aesthetics and usability, involving the color scheme, site layout, data flow, user interface, and user experience. 

Some of the essential tools that set web designers apart are- 

• Graphic Design 

Graphic design includes designing graphics and layouts to make the online store attractive and enhance the website experience.

• Figma

Figma is a browser-based design tool helping designers perform joint design work and prototyping, and design high-fidelity mock-ups.

• UI/UX Design 

UI/UX design develops intuitive and seamless user interfaces and experiences by prioritizing ease of use and navigation.

• Typography and Color Schemes

Fonts and color palettes help design the website’s graphical identity and align the website design with branding purposes.

• Wireframes 

Wireframes allow website designers to plan layouts and the visual structure of a website before starting with the coding.

Web design is what users see on their screens or mobile devices. The website design team brings the online experience to life through images, fonts, and layout. Nowadays, web designers work on the latest trends like voice UI design, where user interfaces account for spoken interactions.

What is Web Development? 

Web development is the engineering that supports a website to let everything function smoothly behind the scenes. It is divided into two main areas: 

Client-side or Front-end– Client-side website developers focus on user interaction with the website. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript languages bring web designs to life. The key tools and technologies include:

• JavaScript frameworks such as AngularJS, React, Ember.js, and Vue.js have revolutionized how developers build dynamic and responsive web applications.
• Libraries like jQuery. 
• CSS preprocessors like SASS for effective style management. 
• Git for version control. 

Server-side or Back-end– Back-end web developers manage the data and server-side web application function. Some essential tools include: 

• Database management systems such as MongoDB and MySQL. 
• Programming languages such as Python, Java, and PHP. 
• Authentication and safety technologies like Passport for data integrity. 

Web developers proficient in back-end and front-end web development, known as full-stack developers can handle different aspects of web development, from user interface to server management, making them fully adaptable in the technical industry.

Website Designer and Website Developer Differences 

Web designers prioritize the website’s visual appeal and usability, focusing on layout, color schemes, and navigation that improve user experience. In contrast, web developers concentrate on the site’s functionality, implementing technical solutions to ensure it operates correctly across different devices and browsers. 

• Skills and Roles 

Web designers are not known as programmers, which means they do not code. Their main focus is the graphical parts of a website. Tools like Photoshop or Adobe XD are used to develop design high-fidelity mock-ups, images, app prototyping, and animation tools like InVision Studio. Several website designers use content management systems like WordPress and no-code platforms like Wix to develop online web stores.

• Cost 

Employing website developers costs more than web designers. According to several data sources, the average rate for web developers is $45, and for web designers, it is $35. This cost difference is due to the high requirement for developers’ technological coding skills.

Website Designer and Website Developer Similarities 

Now that we know that web design and web development are two different fields, let us analyze how they convey the importance of communication and project management and how they cooperate in fully operational website development.

• Distinct tools for suitable business objectives

While designers may use tools like Figma to create intuitive user flows, developers might employ Chrome DevTools to debug and optimize the website’s code. Despite using different tools, both aim to improve the website’s functionality and user experience.

• Soft Set of Skills 

Web designers and developers need soft skills to complete their technical capabilities. Some of their key soft skills are added below- 

1. Teamwork 

Working with teams helps to smoothly collaborate between web designers, developers, and other third-party stakeholders. The skill builds powerful partnerships and a cohesive workflow.

2. Communication 

Communication is crucial for decoding business ideas, discussing project needs with the clients, and coordinating between team members. It also aligns with the website development process and client expectations. 

3. Time Management 

Meeting customer’s deadlines is critical in web development and design projects. Prioritizing tasks and handling several business projects or consumers simultaneously allows for maintaining online productivity.

4. Adaptability 

The technical industry evolves continually, so being flexible and open to new trends and technologies is required. Website designers and developers adapt to the latest project changes or client feedback.

• Problem-Solving Techniques  

Website designers enrich user engagement through graphic advancements, while web developers focus on resolving technological problems that impact the site’s performance and safety. The cooperative problem-solving feature of website developers is essential to design a high-quality and appealing website.

It is all about web design and web development. So, if you need a perfect web designer or web developer, Indglobal Digital Private Limited can offer you top talent. 

Book an appointment for more details about connecting with our professionally skilled web designers and website developers in Banglore. Contact us now.