Web Designer Vs. Web Developer
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Web Designer vs. Web Developer: What’s the Difference

Web Designers and Web Developers. The two sound pretty similar, huh? But do not worry. We are here to guide you into knowing better which domain you see yourself understanding more as a profession. In this blog, you will see that we will not really put them in the category of which is better. Both play their equal roles hand-in-hand in order to develop a flawless website. However, their primary focus for each domain is different.

We’ll cover points about what web designers and developers are, what skills they must possess, how they work separately and together, their scope, and how you can further improve your web designer or developer skills.

What do Web Designers Do?

A web designer looks at the external factors of a website, such as user experience, aesthetics, navigation, feel, and more. For example, they will examine and create the structure and color theory of the entire website. A web designer further looks into enhancing a website according to what their clients want. Their main goal is to create a visually appealing website that attracts viewers and improves overall conversion rates as a benefit for the website owner. Web designers possess the knowledge to use tools such as WordPress, Adobe Dreamweaver, and InVision Studio.

Web designers are highly focused on the user interface’s visual aspects as well. Traditionally, a web designer would work hand in hand with UX and UI designers as well. They rely on each other like a close-knit community, working together to alleviate the pressure of developing a website in its entirety.

What do Web Developers Do?

On the other hand, website developers center their focus on making the website work correctly. They possess the skill of flawless coding. When a web designer makes a wish, the developer makes that wish come true. Keep in mind, however, that there are two kinds of web developers: front-end, back-end, and full-stack. We will further break each down and take a closer look between the two.

Web developers use completely different tools: Sublime Text, Bootstrap, and Visual Studio Code. Although website developers write codes while creating a website, they also consider user experience.

Breakdown of Front-End, Back-End, and Full-Stack Developers

While front-end developers translate web designers’ concepts into functional code, back-end developers ensure seamless data management and display within the website’s user interface. Front-end developers bring the website’s visual elements to life, while back-end developers orchestrate the data that drives the website’s functionality. Full-stack developers work on both front and back-end codes. They have comprehensive knowledge of how these parts function together. In simpler words, they know how to do both ways. Full-stack developers know how to set up and configure servers, query databases, Application Programming Interfaces, and more.

How Web Designers and Developers Work Together

So, let us say a web designer mentions that their client’s website includes a moving flower that navigates around their website. The designer would typically draw out the flower and present it to the web developer. The developer then uses their skill to code the flower into the website, ensuring that it is exactly how the client wants it to be and that users will have a fun experience on the site.

That is how they work hand in hand. Now, we will add more specifications for you to get it further.

A web designer would ensure that the website would have the best UX strategy applied to it, such as the color scheme, graphics, and, at times, website content. They perfect the entire website layout, ensuring that the client is completely satisfied with the result. In addition, they optimize the website to make it search engine recognition-worthy. Ultimately giving the client a list of benefits to acquire.

Web developers use the power of coding in order to create the web designers’ visions into a reality, for instance, that example of the flower we gave above. That was just a small example, but developers do so much more than just coding flowers into websites to grant the designer’s and clients’ wishes. The developer would sometimes recommend some changes to the site to make it more realistic, functional, and presentable.

Too much goes on the website can overwhelm and deteriorate the meaning of a visually appealing web design. Additionally, web developers ensure website security; they code in such a way as to make websites dynamic and functional.

Web Design vs. Web Development: Unraveling the Mystery

Although they do work together at times, web design and development have mysterious differences that set them apart. For instance, if a web designer were to do their work and the work of a developer that would surely be a tedious job for them. We have broken their differences down in order for you to have a better understanding of them.

It is not a Web Designer’s Job to Code.

Knowing about coding and doing it has a different impact. Designers are expected to know about coding but usually do not write the codes themselves. A web designer’s primary responsibilities are so immense that they cannot possibly have enough time to code all the strategies they used to create and code a website. They master different software and editors to create the website’s backbone. That means the layout, the functionality, and so on.

The software’s web designer’s use does not include coding language. We would also add that most companies opt to work with web designers who do not code as well. Therefore, they can solely focus on creating the website and enhancing the overall user experience. Coding becomes more systematic, and it can be hard to carry the mastery of the two.

Unlike web developers, web designers have a knack for market research, current web design trends, and knowledge of future predictions. Simply, web designers do more of the fieldwork. Their prime focus is on the visuals and creative aspects of a website.

Web Developers Don’t Have to Design

It is well and good for a developer to know about web designing and all that, but their main objective is to code those designs flawlessly, ensuring that there is no mistake because a single writing code could mess up the entire layout of what the web designer portrayed to him. Unlike designers, web developers have a more systemic and, in a way, robotic code language style that they practice well to give fast results to the developer and client.

The developer translates the web designer’s wireframes, mockups, and other assets into code. Using software like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Web developers require and possess solid knowledge of technical work. Understanding complex programming languages and frameworks is not something your average person can do. This requires steady concentration and perfect translation to what the designer wants.

Therefore, to sum up, the theory of “web designer vs. web developer” resonates all around who is capable of creating visually appealing designs for the desired website. In addition, who can translate those designs flawlessly into a functional and perfectly coded website that is ready and ready for use?

Sometimes, splitting the workload in half is better than leaving it entirely for one person to do it. It is only human for them to miss some aspects of website creation and, in the process, increase the time for creating a website as well. Let us say that a client needs a website within a span of nine days. The web designer may be able to do the work alone, but it would be time-consuming and hectic, which could also lead to certain faults.

For Web Design and Development, What is the Pay?

Position Web Designers Web Developers
Entry-level $45,000-$71,000 per year $57,450-$61,300 per year
Junior $48,000-$75,000 per year $68,927 per year
Mid-level $51,000-$80,000 per year $85,950 per year
Senior $55,000-$86,000 per year $97,155 per year

You will notice that the pay is slightly less for a web designer vs. a web developer. Why? You may ask. Well, that is because supply and demand also play a huge role in these two professions. Web designers are highly numerous as compared to developers since people get the knack for this profession better.

However, if you find an adept website designer, you should get ready to pay them or be paid more than the average rates.

To distinguish between web development and web design, consider their respective contributions to website creation. Web development focuses on imbuing a website with functionality through the power of code, while web design strives to elevate the user experience and interface, constructing a website that appeals to visitors. These two facets of website creation are equally crucial, working together to produce a seamless and engaging digital experience.

Ways You Can Increase Your Salary for Web Design and Development

We will not lie. It is possible to increase your salary. However, that comes with a catch. We have added this section to guide web designers and developers, or if you are looking for scope in this domain, this is the right way to achieve it.

Expand Your Skill Set

While design and development are distinct disciplines, with few designers transitioning to become proficient developers and vice versa, both fields can profit from understanding the other’s work and the broader organizational context. For instance, the marketing team often prioritizes maximizing search engine optimization (SEO) for the website’s design and functionality. By comprehending how the organization markets its products and services, designers and developers can create more effective websites that had better serve internal clients.

Some individuals in the design and development fields aspire to advance into positions that are more senior. However, it is crucial to recognize that managing developers entails a distinct set of responsibilities compared to being a developer, and designing products differs significantly from designing websites. As you gain deeper insights into your colleagues’ roles, strive to identify the specific skills they possess. If you harbor ambitions for career advancement, take the time to evaluate your existing skill set, noting any skills that may require documentation, and identify areas where you can acquire additional expertise through external resources. Many software and operating systems companies offer internal training programs that can serve as a valuable starting point for your skill development journey.

Consider Certified Courses or Degrees.

Certified programs will add to your resume, indicating that you are serious about the role or are eager to learn more about the field. In simple words, it gives a good impression to your recruiters. Certification programs also help strengthen your basics and help you learn new platforms and methods for either web designing or development.

How to Find Certified Programs?

The entire world is striving towards technical advancement, so much so that you can easily find free or paid certified courses on Google or other online course providers. In order to enroll in a few, you may need a bachelor’s degree if you are going for a more advanced course. Otherwise, you can start from afresh as well.

Some online course sites also provide strategies for negotiating your current salary. As you gain more experience and expand your resume or portfolio, you can ask your employers about your salary. You can learn ways to do so professionally, and that too certified. Consider doing background research and understanding market trends and requirements possess those skills, earn more certification, and you can learn several ways to negotiate your salary!

We know it may not sound easy, but it is not unachievable!

Ready to Work in Web Design or Development?

Regardless of which profession you choose or are currently in, both web design and development have its workload. This is why the two professions are different and not considered one. It is always fruitful to know about the other; however, when it comes to application and work, it is best to limit your load to one in order to give your best!

However, if you are in search of what designer you need in order for you to gain a compelling website. Contact us at WebsVent; we can do all the work for you!

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