The Difference Between Web Designer And Developer

When someone is described as being a professional web developer or a web designer, there is often some confusion about what this really means. Many people talk about web designers and developers without ever knowing what the differences are between them or whether it is possible to be both.

To resolve some of the confusion between web designers and developers, it will be necessary to take a close look at the job requirements of both. By determining what role each of them performs in practical terms, it is also easier to understand exactly how the two roles are related.

People who are known as web designers and developers are skilled workers who really love building something on the web that is going to be both functional and beautiful. They like to know what goes on behind the scenes and want to devote their time to working with and around the Internet.

Both types are clearly people who share the same aspirations and goals, but they don’t use the same set of skills or perform the same role.

Understanding the Difference between Web Designer and Developer

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To anyone who is not familiar with the industry, a developer and a designer might appear to be the same thing. HR departments might not always get it right when they are hiring, and clients do not think too much about the difference when they want to have a website set up. Server administrators are obviously more concerned about the things that power a website than they are about defining the difference between web designers and developers.

All this confusion means that a web designer might be asked technical questions and a developer could be expected to know about some of the different aspects of design. The fact is that a designer does not necessarily have to know about things like SQL injection or Base 64 encoding and a developer does not need to have knowledge or experience of anything to do with the use of color, image placement or any other aspect of web design.

Individuals involved in working on a web-based project that requires both technical and creative skills are not always qualified or have the necessary experience, to complete all aspects of the job. However, this is what is expected of them when they are given the wrong role to play or are required to possess skills in web development and in design.

Some projects fail because they have not been well planned or funded and this is often due to a lack of clear understanding about the role of the web developer or the skill set required of a web designer.

Also read: Follow These Tips To Become A better Web Designer

A clear line needs to be made in order to differentiate between the skills required for each role and the different responsibilities of web designers and developers. In any web-based project, there is going to be some variation and the people involved will differ in their knowledge and qualifications. This may always be the case, but it is still possible to define in broad terms what the difference is between the job of a designer and that of a developer.

What Does a Web Designer do?

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The designer is concerned with the look of a website and will focus on the visual side of user experience, with regard to placement, typography and how color should be used.

Coding is necessary for a website to go live, but a designer does not have to know how to write code. The designer might have nothing to do with the coding or could work on a project in association with a coder.

The job of a designer is to be creative. It takes talent and a good grounding in the arts. Designers make creative use of graphic design software, such as Illustrator and Photoshop, and generally, they have been educated in graphic design. They will need to possess a portfolio of previous work so that they can show a prospective employer or potential client some excellent examples of their artistic talent and creative skills.

Also read: Common Misconceptions About Website Designers

What does a Developer Do?

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Most of the work carried out by a web developer is quite different from that of a designer. A developer does not usually have to think about what makes a website visually appealing. The job is more about making a website technically sound. This requires a good knowledge of coding and the ability to use a range of computer languages.

Logic is far more important than creativity to someone who is working as a web developer. Technical skills are a necessity and the majority of developers have qualifications or an educational background that is based on programming and computer science.

A good web developer has a close eye for detail and will also possess a portfolio of successful projects that can be shown to any prospective employer or client.

Also read: How To Become A Good Website Designer

A Single Goal

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Web designers and developers do have a lot in common, with a shared goal to produce effective websites and apps that are going to attract and retain users.

A successful website is one which will always provide a good user experience. It must function in a way that is expected from its users and has to encourage visitors to interact through the interface. It, therefore, needs to look attractive and it should also project an appropriate image for the brand, through the use of graphics and color.

The Role of a Designer+Developer

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It is possible to be both a designer and a developer. The boundary between the two jobs is increasingly breaking down as more designers are starting to get involved with coding and more developers are beginning to learn more about the theory of web design.

In future, there will no doubt be more jobs available for people who describe themselves as being a web designer/developer. This label is already being applied to people who began as either designers or developers but now possess the skills of both.

Some designers, initially unfamiliar with code, have discovered the benefits of learning coding. They find it enhances their value to clients and boosts job satisfaction. Understanding computer languages facilitates collaboration with developers and enhances project teamwork for web designers.

Also read: Should Website Designers Know How To Code?

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Before even starting out in a web-based career, it is now possible to learn design and development at the same time. This means that in future there will be more qualified designers who will have a greater involvement in the development aspects of a website project or app design.

What Web Designers and Developers Can Do Together

Here are a few ways that web designers and developers can help to bridge the gap between the two roles:

• Developers can be more open to suggestions from designers about improving the user experience.
• Designers can be more accepting of ideas from developers about aspects of a project that involve the visual appearance of an app or a website.
• Web designers and developers should avoid the use of jargon when communicating with each other. It is better to take a working sketch along to a meeting or send an example of what they have in mind.
• Each can learn more about the processes involved in the other side of a web project by reading more about these and by questioning other members of the team.

While the role of a developer is technical and that of the designer is creative, there is nothing to prevent someone in either position from learning more about the theory, skills, and knowledge required for both development and design.

Also read: How To Become A Successful Website Designer

Credit for featured image: Adham Dannaway

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