The job titles’ “web designer” and “web developer” may sound like they could be very similar or just about the same for those who are unfamiliar with the job fields. And although it is true that both positions work towards bringing a website to life, the skills, preparation and training associated with each position are very different from one another.
While web designers are mainly focused on what the user actually sees on their computer screen and/or mobile device, the web developer is mainly focused on governing all of the codes that make a website tick. Nowadays Google Analytics are searching for both web design companies and web development companies.These two terms are very interconnected to each other but they require two unique skill sets.
Let’s take a look into more detail on some of the major roles and responsibilities of the two.
Web designers Vs. Website developers
My husband and I played a perfect role in the development of this blog in the sense that I am the web designer in our business and he is the web developer. We both have very specific roles and responsibilities and with both of our skill sets combined together we are the perfect match and were able to create the business that we have today.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Let’s start off by talking about some of the roles and responsibilities of web designers and web developers. Web designers must always begin by considering a client’s website objectives and goals. Then they can move on to set a website’s information hierarchy and help guide the design process. The design process not only includes the graphic designs of the website but can include the logo and branding designs as well. Next, web designers can start creating wireframes and finally move to the design stage. Web designers may use several basic design principles to achieve an aesthetically pleasing layout which also offers excellent user experience.
A web developer is focused on the technical side of an application and/or website and the development of the functionalities in a website and/or applications. They specialize in coding and understand the language and framework within the coding systems. They need to have good analytical and logical skills in order to write efficient codes and to bring out usability into the applications.
The work of a web designer:
- Developing and designing company logos.
- Choosing and incorporating colors from brand color palettes.
- Developing graphic designs and choosing brand photography.
- Designing wireframes for the website in Photoshop and/or Illustrator.
- Developing the layout of the website and where the images are going to be put.
The work of a web developer:
- Using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP and other relevant web design coding languages for efficient web development.
- Creating and testing applications for the website.
- Maintaining and updating the website when it is necessary.
- Connecting the domain name and setting up the hosting of a website.
- Installing and creating website plug-ins.
- Developing mobile apps that work with the website.
Should I hire a web designer, web developer or both to develop a website from the ground up?
In many cases companies need to hire both a web designer and a web developer that can work together to create a high quality website. A reliable web team will have at least one developer and one designer who can work well together to make a website that matches the client’s unique concerns. Web designers create the look of a website and other attributes but do not have the technical skills to make the designs come to life on the screen. A good web team has the expertise in designs, back end development and front end development to build the website from the very beginning.
I hope this blog has helped you gain a better understanding of the main differences between a web designer and a web developer and the principal roles of the two. If you have any questions or if you are interested in building a website feel free to contact us anytime for a free consultation.
