As a web design and development agency in Dubai, it is quite often we face times when we are questioned about the difference between these two very similar concepts. In today’s digital marketing era, both these terms can easily be categorized within the term “web company” and therefore result in this general confusion. In reality, they are both very independent from each other and require very distinct skill sets for each so yes, it is important to know the difference between the two and we are here to do just that.
What is the difference between Web Design and Web Development?
Web Design
The term “design” gives up the essence of Web designing. It mainly involves the aesthetic section of websites where designers handle matters such as layout, templates, visual elements, content creation, themes, and coloring schemes all with the help of Photoshop. Web designers primarily use tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch and Dreamweaver
In order to begin the process of web designing, the designer must understand what it is a client is looking to achieve from their website and attempt to bring it to life. They can then create a prototype of the website that will mimic the functionalities of the real website. The designer then moves on to improving the prototype and then implementing the user interface and experience in order to attract the target audience.
The designer also helps the developer understand the flow and workings of the website according to the requirement of the client.
Web designers need to ensure they maintain basic design principles when creating websites and this includes:
- Consistency – Designers need to be sure that their design patterns are consistent all through the website in terms of navigation and user experience.
- Unified – design schemes should be unified throughout the entire website and should not lack consistency.
- Balance – A balanced layout is important for any web designer. Designers use both heavy and light elements on their website in order to maintain a balanced website design.
Web Development
Once the job of the web designer is done, the web developer works to bring the website to life. Also known as the programmers of the website, web developers break up the website design and add the HTML and coding to the website in order to incorporated usability of the website. Web developers can also use a content management system such as WordPress or Joomla in order to allow clients to also edit, update and maintain their website.
Developers are responsible for writing codes that are efficient and proficient in languages like Ruby, Python, PHP, Java, ASP etc. Moreover, developers take care of the framework, server side functions, API integration and logic of the website.
The job of the developer is to work closely with the web designer to bring the website to life, to be fully functional and to the standards of the client.
The tools developers primarily use are Node.js, Java EE, Laravel, Express.js, ASP.NET Core etc. The platforms they use for coding are PHP, .NET and Python.
In conclusion, while both terms stand independent of each other, they are both very dependent on the other to complete and deliver the final product of the website to the client. Today we see web professionals who are both designers and developers in one therefore earning the title of being a full stack developer. It is mostly suggested to have both individually as they are most often deemed professionals in their own feels, full stack developers often lack the entire skill of individual professionals. Perhaps this blog has helped you make a decision on the importance of having both web designer and developer. If you ever need more help understanding the concepts, or if you even need a web designer or developer, we will be happy to help you out. Drop us a hello and we will get right to creating the best website for you!
