How can you differentiate between web design and web development in your mind? The distinctions between these two facets of website development are alluded to in their titles, but the differences are far more substantial.
In this article, we’ll go through the key differences between web design and web development. Here, we’ll go over four key distinctions between website design and web development, some of which may come as a surprise. The influence of these factors on marketers is further elaborated upon.
Web Design
The design of a website considers both its functionality and its visual appeal. Web designers pay special attention to details like the layout and color palette while crafting a website’s visual appeal. Is that it? To design a website that is easy on the eyes and the brain.
In the end, a well-designed website is one that the users like navigating. A well-designed website is visually beautiful, simple to use, matches the target audience, and seems organic to the company.
Traditional deliverables for web designers include storyboards, logo designs, formats, UI and UX designs, and color palettes; they reflect the visual nature of web design.
Website Development
In contrast, website development focuses on the underlying systems that ensure the site functions as intended. A web developer’s job is to take your web designer’s plans and turn them into working code. Remember that there are two types of web designers and developers: front-end and back-end.
A front-end developer’s primary responsibility is to write the code that will render the website’s design. Your website’s front end will be useless if the back-end developer does not properly manage the data stored in the site’s database. When you need a website that looks great and functions smoothly, go no further than Elgin Web Design. Their expert staff focuses heavily on front-end development, ensuring that the code they build flawlessly implements the designers’ concepts.
What distinguishes web design from web development?
There is some overlap when contrasting web design with web programming; therefore, it is not unusual to find a developer proficient in both. Despite their differences, these two components must be equally well-funded if a remarkable user experience is to be provided. Together, they create a website that is interesting, useful, and easy to understand. The most notable differences between the two are outlined here.
1. Asset creation is not the responsibility of website developers.
While web designers are responsible for a website’s aesthetic value (and improved user experience) by creating visual assets, web developers implement the site’s functionality. The developer will use languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to implement the designer’s wireframes, mockups, and other materials. Therefore, the website designer is responsible for producing visual assets, while the website developer is in charge of utilizing code to make those materials visible on the website.
2. Code writing is not the responsibility of website designers.
The fact that designers seldom touch code is another distinction between web design and web development. There are always exceptions, but UX/UI designers often don’t have to worry about writing code.
Think about what it is that a web designer is responsible for. Among them are creating mockups, layout design, and developing pictures using an editor like Photoshop. However, none of these activities need code, which is where web development comes in.
To avoid the hassle of learning to code, several businesses use ‘no code’ website builders, allowing designers to focus on aesthetics while improving the site’s usability.
3. Typically, web design costs less than web development.
Web design services are often more affordable than web development services. According to ZipRecruiter, web developer jobs typically pay $36/hour, whereas designer jobs pay an average of $29/hour. Web design often costs less than web development. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
Why? Said learning how to code is essential for a career in web development. There are probably more web designers than developers. A competent web designer or developer will command higher fees than the norm. Therefore supply and demand have a role in setting prices.
4. Website design strives to offer visual appeal, while website development aims to bring functionality to the site.
Keep in mind that there is a clear distinction between the responsibilities of web designers and developers when it comes to building websites. Website development focuses on expanding the site’s functionality via coding, while website design aims to improve the site’s user experience and interface to attract more visitors. Therefore, these components of developing a website are just as crucial.
What similarities exist between web development and web design?
Web design and development have similarities since both seek to provide consumers with a functional website. Understanding the need for both web design and web development for creating a successful website requires delving further into the commonalities between the two.
Both may contribute to an interesting user experience.
Customers are more likely to return to a site that prioritizes their needs. Why? The satisfaction of site visitors is directly correlated to the success of a business’s bottom line. If visitors to your site have a poor experience, they may opt to go elsewhere.
Perhaps you’re wondering what role web design and development play in this. Consumers don’t care how pretty a website is if it doesn’t function properly and meet their needs. An easy solution exists. The design ensures users have a pleasant time browsing your site while development checks for bugs and ensures everything works as it should.
For the site to come together, both individuals must cooperate.
If you’re debating whether or not to spend money on web design and development, consider the following arguments in favor. To create a unified and useful website, the two must collaborate closely. A website would have an impersonal sense without design. A website’s functionality would suffer without development. When design and development come together, the outcome is a seamless and enjoyable online journey for the user.
What distinctions between web design and web development should marketers be aware of?
When it comes to creating content on the web, marketers should keep a few things in mind. One must make sure to talk to the designer and developer. Making a list of required features is a great method to guarantee that the final product will meet your needs. You will be more satisfied with the results if you are explicit about what you want.
Furthermore, marketers must not discount the significance of mobile experiences. In 2021, mobile devices will have generated almost 50% of all internet traffic. You may satisfy clients regardless of the device they’re using by investing in a developer and designer to create a mobile-friendly site.
Web Development vs. Web Design: 2 Crucial Elements for a Successful Site
Your comprehension of the two most important aspects of a successful website, web design and web development, has been greatly enhanced. If you choose a designer and developer that prioritizes the needs of their clients, visitors to your site will be hooked.