Web Design vs. Web Development: Full Guide


Are you planning to have a website of your own or revamp an existing one? If yes, then you must have come across the terms web design and web development. Both work towards the similar goal of getting a visually appealing website and functionally sound. They tend to be used interchangeably, but there is a big difference between them.


Your needs will determine which professional you need to hire for your project. Web design agency will give you a website that is easy on the eyes and has an excellent user interface. On the other hand, a web development company will provide you with an aesthetically pleasing website that has great functionality. 

What Is Website Design?


Website design is a procedure of creating a website that is both visually appealing and easy to use. A good design should include a Balance of Text and Images, Whitespace, User-Friendly Navigation, and a Call to Action. Web design is focused on how a website looks and feels. It traditionally works with static pages and does not require any coding.


They deliver visual aspects like storyboards, color schemes, layouts, and typography. The design team will also create the website's iconography and any custom graphics. Most importantly, they focus on delivering an intuitive and enjoyable user experience.


For example, handyman sites are quite dull to look at. So, your handyman website should have an interesting design that is informative and visually appealing. It should also be simple to navigate so that users can find what they are looking for without any difficulty.


What Is Website Development?


On the other hand, website development is the process of building a functional website. It includes everything from determining and designing to coding and testing. A web developer is responsible for creating a website from the ground up. They take care of the technical aspects and ensure that the website is running smoothly.  


Web developers use different programming languages to build the front-end and back-end of a website. They also need to understand server-side scripting, databases, and caching. Most importantly, they need to be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.


For example, if you plan to build an e-commerce website, you will need a web developer. They will create the necessary functionality to allow users to add items to their shopping cart and checkout securely.

Web Design vs. Website Development


There are crossover skills required for both web design and web development. These two facets are integral to a successful website. However, some key distinctions set them apart.

Website Developers Are Not Responsible for Building Assets


The web designers make visual assets, and web developers are responsible for putting those assets together and ensuring they are functional. The developer will translate the designer's vision, wireframes, and other assets into a functional website. They use Java, PHP, HTML, CSS, and other programming languages to do this. The creation of visual assets is outside the scope of a web developer.

Website Designers Are Not Liable for Writing Code


Designers don't write code, there are exceptions, but generally, they don't. A web designer's work revolves around creating the visual aspects of a website. It includes the layout, colors, typography, and icons. They use programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Sketch to create these assets. Once the assets are made, it is up to the web developer to implement them.


Some organizations opt to work with no code website builders. These platforms allow you to create a website without any coding. However, you will be limited in terms of customization and functionality.

What Are the Similarities Between Web Design and Web Development?

Both Are Critical in Providing an Interesting User Experience


Everyone wants customers to keep coming back to their website. That's why it's essential to have an engaging user experience. It is where both web design and web development come into the picture.


Web designers focus on the visual aspects of a website. They make sure that the website is visually appealing and easy to navigate. On the other hand, web developers focus on the functionality of a website. They make sure that the website operates smoothly and all the features are working properly.  

Both Must Work Together to Build a Cohesive Website


A website is not just a collection of visual assets and code. Instead, it is a cohesive whole that needs to work together to provide an engaging user experience. That's why web designers and developers must work together to build a website.


Designers need to understand the functionality that developers are building. Likewise, developers need to understand the design elements they are working with. Only then can they build a visually appealing and functional website.

Which One Is Right for You?


There are specialties within each field, and it is essential to know which one you need for your project. If you need someone to focus on the look and feel of your website, then you need to hire a web designer. Web design companies have professionals that will give you a website that is easy on the eyes and has a great user interface. If you need someone to create a functional website, you need to hire a web developer. Choose the one that takes care of your needs!

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