Web design vs web development: Top 5 similarities and differences

In this post, we'll explain the main differences between these two related fields, and give you some tips on how to choose which one is right for your business. So whether you're looking to build a new website from scratch or just need some minor tweaks, read on to get started!

Nov 20, 2023
Web design vs web development: Top 5 similarities and differences
Are you confused about the difference between web design and web development? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this post, we'll explain the main differences between these two related fields, and give you some tips on how to choose which one is right for your business. So whether you're looking to build a new website from scratch or just need some minor tweaks, read on to get started!

What is web design?

Web design is the process of creating a website. A website is a web-based application that provides a user interface to an organization or individual. A web designer creates the overall layout, graphics, and functionality of a website, while also ensuring its usability.
A web designer typically works with a client to come up with an idea for the site, then develops it into a comprehensive plan. After obtaining approval from the client, the designer creates the necessary content and designs the interface. The completed website is then submitted for review and validation by the client's technical team. If all goes well, the website can go live online!

What is web development?

Web development is the process of creating a website or web application from scratch. It can involve designing the entire site, coding the user interface, and adding features. Web developers typically work with a variety of programming languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Web development is an essential skill for anyone who wants to create a website or web application. It's also one of the most in-demand skills right now, due to the increasing demand for online services and products. If you want to be in good shape for the future job market, learning web development is a smart move.

What does a web designer do?

A web designer is responsible for creating, designing, and maintaining the visual aspects of a website. They often work with a client or client's team to help create a site that meets the needs of the business or organization.
Web designers usually have a degree in graphic design, information design, or architecture. They may also have experience in programming or software development. They typically work with a variety of software applications, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Dreamweaver.
Web designers typically work with clients to create a variety of layouts and designs for their websites. They also may create custom graphics and logos for their clients' sites. In addition to website design, web designers may also be involved in user interface design, marketing strategy, and social media planning for their clients' sites.

What does a web developer do?

A web developer is responsible for developing the front-end and back-end of a website. They are also responsible for ensuring that the website conforms to all design, technical, and accessibility guidelines. They may also be responsible for creating customizations or modifications to existing websites. Web developers usually have a degree in computer science or related field. They often work with a variety of programming languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
In addition to website development, web developers may also be involved in creating custom applications for their clients' businesses or organizations.
Web developers typically work with clients to create mockups or prototypes of the websites they want developed. After the initial design is agreed upon, the developer will begin working on coding and creating the actual website content and structure.

Skills required for a web designer

Generally, the skills required for a web designer include excellent graphic design and webpage development skills, as well as an understanding of HTML and CSS. Additionally, web designers should be familiar with a variety of web hosting platforms and databases, as well as marketing and advertising strategies.
If you want to become a web designer, it's important to start by acquiring a good foundation in these essential skills. Here are some resources that can help you get started:
1. HTML & CSS training - One of the best ways to learn HTML and CSS is by taking online courses that focus on these topics. This will give you a strong foundation from which to build upon, and you will also be able to learn how to use various web design tools.
2. Web design resources - Another great way to stay up-to-date on the latest web design trends is by reading online resources. This will give you access to tutorials, articles, and other resources that will help you develop your skills as a web designer.
3. Mastering web hosting platforms and databases - As a web designer, it's important to be knowledgeable about various web hosting platforms and databases. This will allow you to create high-quality websites that look great on all devices.

Skills required for a web developer

Web developers are in high demand and are in high demand for good reasons. They have a wide variety of skills that make them ideal for a variety of different positions and industries. Here are some of the essential skills required for a web developer:
1. Strong coding skills - Web developers need to be able to code effectively in both HTML and CSS.
2. Familiarity with different programming languages - Developers need to be comfortable working with different programming languages, including PHP, JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, and Android Java Development.
3. Excellent problem solving skills - Web developers need to be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
4. Excellent design skills - Web developers need to be able to design websites visually using templates or custom designs.
5. Expertise in search engine optimization (SEO) - A web developer's job is often to help increase the visibility of a website on search engines, so they must have a good understanding of SEO techniques.

Web design vs. web development: What’s the difference?

Web design is the process of designing the look and feel of a website, while web development is the process of building the website using code. There is a lot of overlap between the two, but they are also different in a few key ways. Here are the main differences:
1. Web design typically involves more visual design elements, such as graphics and logos, while web development often focuses on structural design and creating code that makes the website function.
2. Web design is typically done by experienced designers who know how to use Photoshop and other graphic tools, while web development is usually done by software developers who know how to create code from scratch.
3. Web design typically takes longer than web development to complete, due to the need for more detailed visual designs and the need for developers to build code that works properly on many different devices.
4. Web design is typically commissioned by businesses who want a new or improved website, while web development is typically commissioned by businesses who want a custom application or system built from scratch.
5. Web design is not as common as web development, but it’s growing in popularity because it offers more creative freedom for the designer and greater flexibility for the client.

Web Designer vs Web Developer

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the distinction between a web designer and a web developer can depend on a number of factors, including the level of experience and skill set of the individual. Generally speaking, however, a web designer will focus on designing the overall look and feel of a website, while a web developer will focus on developing the code behind the website.
Some general tips that may be useful for either category include:
1. A web designer should have experience with graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, while a web developer should be proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
2. A web designer should have an understanding of layout principles and professional design standards, while a web developer should be able to create functional and high-quality websites.
3. A web designer should be able to create mockups or wireframes of a website to show potential clients or collaborators, while a web developer should be proficient in using code editors such as Dreamweaver or CodePen to develop websites.
4. A web designer should have experience with marketing and advertising strategies, while a web developer should be familiar with SEO and online advertising methods.

Similarities between a web designer and a web developer

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Both web designers and web developers have a lot in common. They both need to be well-versed in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and they need to be able to create beautiful, user-friendly websites. They use a variety of software and tools to achieve their goals, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver, and Google Sketchup. Web designers usually have a degree in graphic design or another visual arts field, while web developers usually have a degree in computer science or engineering. Web designers typically work with clients to create a vision for a website, while web developers work with clients to create the website's code.

One tool to enhance web development and web design process

Here comes the interesting part, out of all the similarities and differences, there is "website feedback" which is inevitable in both web development and web design. This is when you receive feedback from a tester, client or even an user about any issue, bug or even pointing out room for improvement. Believe it or not, solving the issue takes up almost as much time as tha actual work. Incase of development, you may receive an incomplete bug report or no proper steps to how the bug occured, this is very common even when it comes from technical testers. For design, you may receive unclear design feedback like "Make the text smaller" or " Move the image to the right" which makes no sense and leads to unnecessary back and forth.
Having your feedback loop sorted out is essential. Disbug is one such tool that handles all these issues at ease. It allows clients and users to give perfect feedback that'll save ton of time for the developer and designer. You can also edit a live website to give design feedback in addition to the screenshot, screen record and annotation features. It also captures all the technical logs such as console logs, network logs, browser information etc. A disbug chrome extension/ website widget could ease your journey 10x than ever.

Conclusion

This is no doubt about the fact that web design and web development are two different professions but both of them have their own unique skills. For example, a good web designer can easily create a great website without knowing how to code whereas many successful developers cannot manage without some designing skills. However, it is important to know the basic difference between these two fields before choosing a career path.
By now, you might have understood that not everyone knows how to use Photoshop for designing websites yet can easily build complex websites with WordPress plugins and JavaScript scripts. Hence if you want to be successful in one field or the other, choose wisely!