Web Design vs Web Development: What’s The Different?
The difference between web designers and web developers is often misunderstood. Both make a living off the same type of business by contributing to the creation of websites, but their specializations and skill sets are different. In this post, we’ll show you the difference between web designers and web developers, which will help you figure out whether you need to hire a designer or developer for the website you want to create.
We’ll start by defining both web designer and web developer, then take a look at how they work together, including the average hourly rates you’d need to pay to hire each. Finally, we’ll discuss how both professions overlap.
As A Web Designer
A Web designer is someone who prepares content for the Web. This role is mainly related to the styling and layout of pages with content, including text and images. — techopedia
A web designer is responsible for the visual design of a website. This includes the layout, color scheme, overall styling, and other graphical elements. A web designer may also be responsible for creating the website’s logo, icons, and other branding elements.
Web designers have to take many things into account during the design process, such as current trends, design norms, and the behavior of the target audience. It’s not just about creating an appealing design; in most cases, it’s also about creating a design that will prompt the right actions from visitors. Additionally, the design must match the branding of the company.
Web designers typically handle the initial stage of website creation. They consider what a website needs and how it should be set up. This information is essential when passing it on to a web developer.
As A Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for programming the code that ‘tells’ a website how to function. They build websites that are ‘user friendly’, which means they are easy to navigate for those using them. — Career Explorer
A web developer is responsible for the code that makes a website function. This includes the front-end code that runs in a web browser and the back-end code that runs on a web server. A web developer may also be responsible for managing and configuring a web server.
Once the site’s overall design and purpose are established, web developers can begin coding and adding features. Different types of web developers specialize in different areas, such as front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development.
- Front-end Developers
Responsible for the way a website looks. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build web pages. Some frontend developers also work with CMS platforms, where they can use themes and builders to create the frontend of a website. In this case, much of the coding work is already done, but knowledge of CSS is still necessary to make changes when needed. - Backend Developers
Responsible for the server side of web development. They use programming languages like PHP, Ruby, and Python to build the back end of websites. Backend developers must have a strong understanding of algorithms and database systems. - Full Stack Developers
Responsible for both the front end and back end of web development. They have a deep understanding of both frontend and backend technologies. Full-stack developers are rare and in high demand.
Common Myths About Web Designers And Web Developers
Many common myths surround site owners and prospective designers/developers about these professions- the primary one being that web designers don’t code. This is entirely false. While designers don’t code as much as web developers, they are usually familiar with all languages used in front-end development, including CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.
Another common myth is that web development is more difficult than web design. The specific strengths and weaknesses that the individual has will determine which option is right for them. While programming comes naturally to some people, design is easier for others. Yet another myth is that it’s impossible to be both a web developer and a designer. In actuality, possessing both of these skills and working in both professions is possible.
How Do Both Web Designers & Web Developers Work Together?
The web designer and developer work together closely to create the websites that we all use every day. They both have different skill sets that contribute to the overall goal of getting a website up and running that meets the needs of the client. In order to ensure that everything goes smoothly, the web designer and developer usually start off with a briefing.
This is a crucial step in the process, as it allows both parties to communicate their needs and expectations. If communication between the web designer and developer is not clear, it can lead to misinterpretation and a poor user interface.
As a web designer, you will usually share the following information with a frontend web developer:
- Page mockups and/or design files
- Functionality needs
- CSS properties of design elements (such as padding, margin, color, spacing, and more)
To ensure that the web designer and developer are on the same page, it is recommended that the developer is somehow involved in the design process. This doesn’t mean that the developer has to be involved every step of the way, but including them in initial brainstorming and design reviews, for instance, can be very helpful.
Depending on your website’s purpose and budget, you may not be able to hire both a web designer and a developer. If that’s the case, you might want to work with a ‘hybrid’ designer or developer instead.
These professionals are involved in both web design and development and can help you create a website from scratch quickly and efficiently. They often work with CMS platforms such as WordPress, which helps them to finish a website faster and can keep the client’s budget in mind.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Web Designer Or Web Developer?
If you want to create a website that looks professional and functions well, you need to pay professional rates from the start. Hiring low-cost or inexperienced freelancers can cost you more in the long run. A good web designer will charge between RM 80 to RM 300 per hour, while a web developer’s rate can be as high as RM 400 per hour.
The starting barrier to becoming a web developer is higher than that of a web designer. Web designers typically need to be familiar with UI design principles, target audience behavior, and graphics software such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Although these skills are not easy to master, they are not as complex as those required to become a web developer. Web developers must be proficient in solving problems, creating algorithms, and coding in multiple languages.
The Overlap Between Web Designers and Developers
There is a lot of overlap between web designers and developers. For instance, both designers and developers can use Photoshop, Sketch, or Illustrator. And both can use HTML and CSS.
The overlap between web designers and developers is similar to the overlap between architects and builders. Both architects and builders can use AutoCAD. And both can use hammers and nails.
The overlap between web designers and developers is a good thing. It means that designers and developers can often help each other out. And it also means that you don’t need to hire two separate people to design and develop your website.
Conclusion
When you decide to outsource your website creation, you’ll most likely wonder if you should hire a web designer or developer. Though they have completely different skill sets, these two professions are often mixed up. To create a website, you’d technically need both. However, many people offer both services at the same time.
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