Web development is a very competitive industry to be in. As more and more people realize the potential of making money online the competition has become fiercer. There is a lot of talk about web designers and web developers, and many people are using these terms interchangeably.
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Are web design and web development the same? Are the roles of a web designer the same as a web developer? This blog will help you better understand the difference between web design and web development, and how that might help you or hurt you. So without any further ado, let’s get right into the major differences!
So What is the Major Difference?
A web designer is responsible for the look and feel of the website. He creates the layout, chooses the colours, and decide on the overall design. A web developer, on the other hand, is responsible for making the website work. They write the code that makes the website function.
Both web designers and web developers are important for creating a successful website. From my personal perspective, if you want a website that looks great and works well, you need both a web designer and a web developer.
Role of a Web Designer
A web designer has a deep understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of web design. They use their skills to create websites that are both user-friendly and visually appealing.
Professional website design agency or individual web designers often get a reputation for only caring about the look and feel of the design, but this is not true. While aesthetics are an important part of the equation when it comes to web design, there is more to the job title than just that. Indeed, what good is a site that completes all visual criteria but does not deliver anything of value to its users – why visit a site just to be blinded by pretty colours, images and flashing buttons? Web designers have the additional task of distributing content appropriately using navigational elements in order for visitors to easily access info exactly as they need it.
Web designers must have a strong understanding of web standards, usability, and accessibility. They must be able to create websites that are compatible with different browsers and devices. They must also be able to create responsive designs that adapt to different screen sizes. A web designer must have excellent communication skills and be able to work collaboratively with other members of a web design team.
There are three types of web designers, each of them focus on a unique and specific type of work. The three types are:
- UI Designers
- UX Designers
- Visual Designers
UI Designers
UI designers are put in charge of the overall look and feel of a website but they can’t do it alone. As well as giving the site’s layout and design a lovely touch, they also have to play with colour contrast and open up pathways to help people give in to temptation. More specifically, their role is to prioritize visual elements while getting rid of those that aren’t crucial to the site’s success.
UX Designers
UX designers often find themselves locked in a dark room, hunched over their computer, surrounded by clipboards and markers, scribbling down every last little pixel which needs a little bit more colour. They use eye-tracking to test the product – they watch people and record their findings. UX designers are like detectives who gather clues and then solve problems that lead to their final design objectives. Their role is to ensure proper execution of research information, analysis and testing which creates human-centric designs.
Visual Designers
A visual designer is the bridge between user experience design and graphic design. When working on visual projects such as user interfaces, document layouts, ads or brochures, he is the one responsible for conveying the overall message of a project by creating aesthetically pleasing designs that take into account audience preferences, objectives and brand identity.
Role of a Web Developer
Web developers are a lot like mechanics. They use advanced programming languages and coding to build the fundamental structure of a website before eventually presenting it to the client for completion. Their work is often technical, but they serve an extremely important role in most businesses that host websites by working with designers and product managers to ensure their visions come complete and in full working order.
A web developer’s main focus is programming the structure of a website. This includes coding and configuring the server and databases on the backend, as well as incorporating user-facing features such as enabling users to bring up maps or pictures online in order to permit them to build routes depending on where they are going.
There are 3 types of web developers:
- Front-End Developer
- Back-End Developer
- Full-Stack Developer
Front-End Developer
Front end developers are responsible for developing the interface and usability of websites, applications and mobile apps. Most successful sites have well-developed interfaces that improve users’ experiences. Ranging from navigation to graphics, form values to interactions, every aspect of client-facing programming falls under the category of what most people call front end development. Front End refers to everything a user sees including text, colours, layout etc. Performance and responsiveness are two major roles of a Front-End developer.
Back-End Developer
Backend is just a fancy word for the server-side of the website. It’s what makes sure your users have smooth sailing throughout their experience while using your product. The backend manages all data and processes, like managing payments or storing user info. All of this stuff happens without you knowing because it’s happening behind the scenes (or in this case, behind the screens) with no need to touch any shiny, glitzy interfaces. Other terms you might hear used interchangeably with ‘backend’ include Server Side Language, System Programming, Backend Libraries and Application Programming Interface(s).
Full-Stack Developer
A full-stack developer is responsible for the entire development process of a website or application. This includes the back-end (server-side) development, front-end (client-side) development, and the database.
Web Developer VS Web Design: What Lies in the Future?
The future of web development and web design is always in flux. What’s popular today may be out of fashion in a few years. However, there are some general trends that are likely to continue. Web developers will continue to be in demand as businesses move more of their operations online. The demand for mobile apps is also likely to continue to grow, so developers who are skilled in creating them will be in high demand.
Web designers will also continue to be in demand, although their roles may change as more businesses move toward using automated tools to create their websites.
How Much Web Developers and Designers Can Expect To Earn?
There are plenty of job openings for web developers, and the number of job postings is expected to grow by about 20 per cent in the next ten years. Job prospects are good for web developers, and the pay is decent. According to research conducted in 2022, the median annual salary for web developers is somewhere near $70,863, while the median annual pay for web designers is approximately $58K.
So, what lies in the future for web developers and web designers? It is hard to say. The demand for both professions is expected to grow in the next ten years. The pay is decent, and job prospects are good. It is possible that the future will bring more opportunities for web developers and web designers to work together.
Bottom Line
Web design and web development are two different roles in the field of web development, both of which are important to creating a successful website or web application. While the two roles are often performed by the same person, the qualities of the two roles are very different. I hope you find this post useful as I’ve tried to cover every aspect briefly!
Author Bio: Aun Ali
My name is Aun Ali and I specialize in creating compelling, interesting, and accurate Wikipedia pages. I have over 5 years of experience as a professional copywriter, and my work has been featured in a variety of publications. I have a deep understanding of how to craft a Wikipedia page, and I am passionate about helping my personal clients achieve their corporate goals.