Web design or web development? What’s the difference?

Last Updated on Oct 29, 2019 by Numinix Developer

Often interchangeable terms, website design and website development are two fundamental aspects of your website building process. Although these job titles are used fluidly in conversation, they’re actually two very unique skill sets that offer an e-commerce business a very different essential service. Now, let’s find out why it’s important for e-commerce business owners to know the different when they’re looking to build or revamp their company page.

How do they differ?

Basically, web design refers to both the aesthetic portion of the website as well as it’s usability. Web designers use many design programs (ex. Adobe Photoshop) to create a visual layout that customers can use to navigate the site. On the other hand, web development takes the design of the website and actually makes it function. Web developers are trained to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP languages, which plays an essential role of the usability of the website.

Web design explained

It’s the job of a web designer to speak with the client and find out their objectives. This will allow them to set up the site’s information, products and buttons in a way that pleases the e-commerce business owner. Next, they will create a framework before moving to the design stage. There are a few design principles that professionals often adhere to.

• Balance: All websites need to have a balanced layout (this includes colors and proportions of text and images).
• Contrast: Using color theory, web designers utilize the color wheel and define certain areas to draw customers attention.
• Consistency: It’s important to have clean, consistent navigation for your customers.

Web development explained

It’s the job of a web developer, sometimes called programmers, to take the design that has been created by the web designer and build a fully functioning website. The design is a non-interactive picture and the developers make that picture come to life. Through the use of various programming languages, developers convert the layout into a dynamic website that functions based on links, buttons and other interactive elements.

If you’re a small or medium sized company that is looking for your first design or even a re-design of an existing website, speak with a representative from our team to get you started on a website layout that will turn the heads of your potential customers.

Was there anything we missed in our breakdown? Let us know in the comments section below.