As a website user, both web design and development might look the same to you. But it has remarkable differences between them. Web design is about the visible part of the website, its design, and user experience. Web development is about the engine behind the interface and is all about programming!
When executing a website or product, both have equal weight! Each website design and development process are interconnected. However, they’ve got significant differences, such as in technology, tools, processes, and integrations.
It is important for website owners to know the differences to avoid any failure. In this blog, we’ll discuss differences between both and their processes. Let’s understand their definitions first.
What is Web Design?
Web design is the process of designing the visual part of websites or web applications for web browsers. The process includes customer research, user journey, wireframing, layouts, UI, and navigation. It decides how users will look and feel about the website.
It also involves creating a responsive design that adapts to desktop, mobile, and tablet screen sizes. User engagement largely depends on the website’s design. That being said, web design is a critical aspect, and it guides web developers about how programming should be carried out.
Also Read: How Does Website’s UI/UX Impacts Your Brand Reputation?
What is Web Development?
Web development is the programming part of building a website. It includes planning, building, and maintaining websites or web applications with the help of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and other programming languages. It also involves database and server management.
There are many frameworks and programming languages for building websites. Most of the websites are built in the PHP language. Other popular languages are Node.JS, Python, Ruby, Java, and ReactJS. Depending on the complexity and scope of the work, language is chosen.
Web Design Process
Web design and web development require an integrated approach to develop a quality and functioning website. However, they follow different processes.
- First thing first; a web design project starts with a brief based on the client’s expectations and needs and is written by a digital project manager or digital producer, working hand in hand with a strategist. The brief includes details about the target audience and functionalities of the website.
- Once the brief is completed, the web designer comes up with design ideas, sketches, and prototypes following the brief and brand guidelines.
- The team comes up with design ideas, sketches, and prototypes according to brand guidelines.
- The actual design of the website starts here and will follow multiple iterations and testing before being sent to development.
Web development will follow the design mockups and briefs
The web development process is crucial and must be aligned with design process. Let’s understand what web development process includes.
- The development process can only start after the development brief explaining all the functionalities of the website and all the design mockups have been delivered.
- It requires in-depth knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and other programming languages and involves the integration of third-party APIs and other tools.
- The testing and quality assurance process starts once the development phase is completed.
- Deployment in accordance with web standards is carried out after testing.
- Maintenance of website is also a key aspect of avoiding code failure. It involves backup, database management, security maintenance, and other technical operations.
Quick Note: Although they have many differences in execution, they’ve similarities.
Similarities
Web design and development require common skill sets such as critical thinking, testing, analysis, and problem-solving approaches.
Both web designers and web developers work together to provide the appropriate UX (User Experience) and smooth navigation of the website.
To develop a high-quality and profitable website, the work of a professional strategist, a designer and developer is required. All design and development decisions should be made according to the brief and KPIs.
The Difference in Tools & Technology
Web design and development are two different parts of the web design process and require distinctive skill sets and tools, yet they are interdependent.
Usually, web designers work with Figma, Adobe Dreamweaver, Sketch, Google Web Designer, and Adobe XD. On the other hand, web developers have experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, ReactJS, jQuery, etc.
Some technologies, such as website builders, enable the merge of web design and development into a single process, but it still requires design and technical expertise.
Final Words
Web design and development are different yet intricate parts of a website that require specific design and technical skills, as well as the experience of a project manager. Our digital agency has delivered hundreds of quality websites to local businesses in Sydney.
All our websites are tailored to each of our clients. Looking to create one for your business? Email us at contact@sydneydigitalagency.com.au.
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