Web design and web development have many similarities, yet they are different. Web design is what you see when you go to a website. In other words, it is how it looks. On the other hand, web development generally refers to the tasks associated with creating websites for hosting on an intranet or the internet. Web developers build websites using HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript, and other technologies. They create content using CMSes (content management systems) like WordPress or Drupal or build application frameworks like Laravel or CodeIgniter. The result isn’t just pretty; it also serves a purpose. Here are the differences between web design and web development.
What is Web Design?
Web design is a process by which a business creates a website. Four fundamental steps make up the design process: creativity, research, planning, and execution. There are three phases in web design. These include;
a. Ideation Phase: This phase involves: Generating ideas, Researching current trends and best practices, and Brainstorming solutions to solve business problems.
b. Research Phase: In this phase, business stakeholders review various ideas, research business metrics and KPIs, and collect information to inform the final design direction.
c. Planning Phase: This phase involves choosing a CMS, picking a template, and setting up optimizing tools like site speed and security.
d. Execution Phase: This phase is where the website is finalized and published.
What is Web Development?
Web development is creating an online application using bespoke or generic technologies that can be done using server-side languages and tools like PHP, Python, Ruby, or Java. The application is then converted into code that can be used by the web browser, which you can access through a specific URL.
How Do They Interact With One Another?
Web designers and developers collaborate closely. Both specializations contribute to the larger picture of having a website that meets the client’s needs. When web designers and developers’ teams usually begin with a detailed briefing. This briefing is an essential component of the entire process. Misinterpretation and lousy UI will result from poor communication between a web designer and developer.
However, if you want a web designer and developer to be entirely on the same page, the developer should be involved in the design process. However, this does not imply applying the developer in every process step. Involving them in initial brainstorming and design reviews, for example, can be highly beneficial.
Critical Skills for Web Designers
Research: A web designer research the latest trends, best practices, and technologies for website design. They decide on a design direction and gather information about the audience and the business problems they want to solve.
Ideation: A website designer finds inspiration and generates new ideas when designing a website. They also collaborate with stakeholders to create a visual design direction, re-think the paths if necessary, and include information about the audience and metrics of a particular website they design.
Visual Communication: When a website designer designs a website, they use design elements to create a cohesive brand, convey specific information, and engage users with interesting content.
Web & Mobile Testing: In web design, it tests the site’s functions across different devices, browsers, and OSes to ensure it meets user expectations. Furthermore, it ensures that the user experience is consistent and that content is delivered as intended.
Project Management: In designing a website, a web designer manages the entire project, from start to finish, including timelines and expectations. They also ensure that stakeholders are on-time and on budget with their responsibilities.
Critical Skills For Web Developers
Programming: A web developer creates interactive websites by writing code that enables various features, such as navigation, content, and search. They also make complex functionality using programming languages like PHP, Python, or JavaScript.
Testing: Web developers test the website’s functionality to ensure it operates as intended. They use tools like Selenium and RSpec for automated testing. In addition, they enable automatic testing for a website using tools like PHPUnit or Codeship.
Security: A web developer ensures that a website meets applicable security standards, such as XSS (Cross-site scripting), data protection, and PCI compliance. They use tools like OWASP to audit and monitor security posture.
Build Automation: A web developer builds performance and scalability into applications to handle many requests. They use tools like Gulp or Grunt for automation and continuous integration.
What is Web Design?
Web design is a process by which a business creates a website. Four fundamental steps make up the design process: creativity, research, planning, and execution. There are three phases in web design. These include;
a. Ideation Phase: This phase involves: Generating ideas, Researching current trends and best practices, and Brainstorming solutions to solve business problems.
b. Research Phase: In this phase, business stakeholders review various ideas, research business metrics and KPIs, and collect information to inform the final design direction.
c. Planning Phase: This phase involves choosing a CMS, picking a template, and setting up optimizing tools like site speed and security.
d. Execution Phase: This phase is where the website is finalized and published.
What is Web Development?
Web development is creating an online application using bespoke or generic technologies that can be done using server-side languages and tools like PHP, Python, Ruby, or Java. The application is then converted into code that can be used by the web browser, which you can access through a specific URL.
How Do They Interact With One Another?
Web designers and developers collaborate closely. Both specializations contribute to the larger picture of having a website that meets the client’s needs. When web designers and developers’ teams usually begin with a detailed briefing. This briefing is an essential component of the entire process. Misinterpretation and lousy UI will result from poor communication between a web designer and developer.
However, if you want a web designer and developer to be entirely on the same page, the developer should be involved in the design process. However, this does not imply applying the developer in every process step. Involving them in initial brainstorming and design reviews, for example, can be highly beneficial.
Critical Skills for Web Designers
Research: A web designer research the latest trends, best practices, and technologies for website design. They decide on a design direction and gather information about the audience and the business problems they want to solve.
Ideation: A website designer finds inspiration and generates new ideas when designing a website. They also collaborate with stakeholders to create a visual design direction, re-think the paths if necessary, and include information about the audience and metrics of a particular website they design.
Visual Communication: When a website designer designs a website, they use design elements to create a cohesive brand, convey specific information, and engage users with interesting content.
Web & Mobile Testing: In web design, it tests the site’s functions across different devices, browsers, and OSes to ensure it meets user expectations. Furthermore, it ensures that the user experience is consistent and that content is delivered as intended.
Project Management: In designing a website, a web designer manages the entire project, from start to finish, including timelines and expectations. They also ensure that stakeholders are on-time and on budget with their responsibilities.
Critical Skills For Web Developers
Programming: A web developer creates interactive websites by writing code that enables various features, such as navigation, content, and search. They also make complex functionality using programming languages like PHP, Python, or JavaScript.
Testing: Web developers test the website’s functionality to ensure it operates as intended. They use tools like Selenium and RSpec for automated testing. In addition, they enable automatic testing for a website using tools like PHPUnit or Codeship.
Security: A web developer ensures that a website meets applicable security standards, such as XSS (Cross-site scripting), data protection, and PCI compliance. They use tools like OWASP to audit and monitor security posture.
Build Automation: A web developer builds performance and scalability into applications to handle many requests. They use tools like Gulp or Grunt for automation and continuous integration.