When reading the title, you might be thinking, “Aren’t web developers and web designers essentially the same thing?”.
No worries, we get it. We got you.
It’s easy for a layperson to get those two roles mixed up. After all, both professions deal with websites, utilise similar instruments, and sometimes even similar skills.
Thus, thinking that the two titles are interchangeable is no shocker.
Should you hire a web developer or a web designer for your specific project?
Despite the many similarities between web developers and web designers, the two are different, and their distinctions are crucial for one to know. This fact is especially true if you are thinking of hiring someone to construct your website.
Here’s a simple guide on how to distinguish the two roles and their job scopes.
Definition of Web Developer
A web developer is in charge of writing the code that “tells” a website how to work. A developer creates a website from the ground up, which entails designing it with the aim of end-users having no difficulty browsing the site.
Then, the web developer will construct the website’s framework using various programming languages such as HTML, CSS, or JavaScript and guarantee that it is bug-free and operates as planned.
The process of developing, producing, and managing websites or web applications is known as web development.
It’s the process that converts a wireframe into a working website, ensuring that it operates smoothly, loads quickly, and provides a consistent user experience.
3 Types of Web Developer
1. Back-End Developer
The back-end is where the website’s essential structure is created. Developers in this field are experts in some of the most sophisticated programming languages, such as SQL, Java, and C#. They design websites that are both rational and functional.
Even though their job is crucial for a site to operate effectively, users are mainly invisible. They don’t work on the browsers that users see; instead, they work on databases and web servers. These types of developers are also in charge of countless testing and bug fixes.
2. Front-End Developer
Regarding front-end developers, their expertise is browser development. Since this is what website users view and engage with, it’s commonly referred to as client-side development.
Because front-end developers are responsible for putting a web designer’s ideas into action, these developers work even more closely from the wireframes than back-end developers. Front-end developers can code in languages such as CSS, HTML, and Javascript.
3. Full-Stack Developer
Lastly, a full-stack developer works on a website’s front-end and back-end. These developers are professionals in all aspects of website development since they know how to code front- and back-end layers, also known as stacks.
Definition of Web Designer
A web designer’s job entails creating a vision for the website’s appearance, feel, and functionality. There’s a lot to do from user research to information architecture to typography and user interface design.
To further elucidate, a web designer is responsible for a website’s appearance, layout, and, in certain situations, content.
For example, appearance refers to the colours, typography, and images utilised. The way information is organised and grouped is referred to as layout.
A good web design is simple to use, aesthetically pleasing, and appropriate for the website’s target audience and brand.
The design of websites that are presented on the internet is referred to as web design. They develop the layout of the website or app using graphic design software such as Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, or other similar technologies. Rather than software development, it usually relates to the user experience components of website creation.
3 Types of Web Designer
1. User Experience (UX) Designer
The task of a UX (User Experience) designer is to keep visitors engaged with your app or website.
They do extensive research on your target users’ demographics and are intimately familiar with them, so they know how to design a website catered to their needs. They frequently create and test prototypes to ensure that the design is sound.
2. User Interface (UI) Designer
On the other hand, UI (User Interface) designers translate complicated ideals and brand ideas into a user-friendly and pleasant website. Overall, they enhance users’ interactions with the website’s UI.
The distinction between a UI designer and a UX designer is frequently subtle; a UX designer researches to lay the groundwork for a pleasant user experience, whereas a UI designer concentrates more on the website’s appearance.
3. Visual Designer
Next, visual designers are knowledgeable and well-skilled with both UX and UI. Graphic designers employ creative and coding abilities to conceptualise a brand’s unique style, address design difficulties, and optimise the user journey.
A graphic designer includes UX and UI into their website designs in the same way that a full-stack developer handles a website’s build’s front- and back-end.
Do You Need a Web Developer or a Web Designer?
How can you know which expert you’ll need for your website project?
Well, if you aim to create a new homepage layout for your website, reassess your website branding, or refresh visual aspects such as photographs and graphics, a web designer is the answer to your troubles.
Meanwhile, you’ll need a web developer if you want to create a mobile app, rectify a hosting or server problem, incorporate other programmes (s), or develop a contact form.
However, both positions are vital when launching a new website.
You’ll need a web designer to create a vision for a tailored website that will catch the eye of your website’s target demographic. In addition, you’ll also need a web developer to lay the foundation of your website correctly.
Would you like to learn more about how we assist our valuable clients in bringing their ideas to life? Get in touch with us now.
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