With the continuously evolving market and technology, the scope of possibility in terms of web design and development expands every day. Today, professionals who are non-coders can build websites and software without having to write a single line of code. Such dynamism in the landscape also helps developers to focus more on complex projects, thus leading to the requirement of taking on roles that were previously separate jobs.
However, it also makes it easy for people to get confused between web developers and web designers, especially when they work on websites and often use similar tools. Therefore, to understand the perspective better, the process of building a house can be taken as an instance. The architect is responsible for coming up with the blueprint design of a building – the visual elements involved, floor design, layout, etc. While the construction workforce executes the vision of the building, transforming the plan into a physical building.
Similarly, a web designer must look after the visible and aesthetic elements of a website – including the color palettes, templates, etc. and then hand them off to web developers to take things forward. The web developer can now work out the intended design using programming languages like CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Python, etc. The difference between a web designer and a web developer lies in their respective involvement and aspects within the overall development process of websites. On the other hand, a web developer breathes life into the vision of the web designer by using their programming skills to code, incorporate the fundamentals of usability, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX), and build the web design into a fully functional website.
Here’s a detailed difference between the two roles:
| Web Designer | Web Developer |
| When it comes to the overall usability, look and feel of the website, the web designer ensures the optimal visual aspect of a website. They use a set of powerful software platforms like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, etc. | Similarly, a web developer uses a handful of programming languages to build websites. |
| User Experience (UX): It focuses on building compelling user experiences, based on visitors’ requirements, their respective usage/interactions, as per the intended purpose and standards. | Front-end: For any front-end web development company, this is where the actual website (client-side) is programmed using frameworks like CSS, HTML, JavaScript, CMS like WordPress, etc to set up the visual elements as decided by the web designer. |
| User Interface (UI): It encompasses the graphics, illustrations, typography, design, and layout of the overall product. It comprises interface elements like input controls, components for navigation. | Back-end: The database (invisible from the front-end) is programmed with languages like PHP, C#, JAVA, NodeJS, etc. |
| Visual Design: It is an amalgamation of both former processes and ensures that the end product is as attractive as envisioned. | Full-stack: It combines both the above elements and is responsible for the entirety of the smooth running, server configuration, etc of the online product. |
| The technical skill sets can vary as per requirement, but some of the relevant skills would include: HTML, CSS, Web design and accessibility principles, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), branding, color theory, wireframing, etc. | The technical skill sets of the web developers include scripting languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, jQuery, testing and debugging, Search Engine Optimization, etc. |
Taking the Right Career Path
Website development has never been in such high demand, and it is expected to only grow over the following decades. Therefore, the first step of choosing between the two relies entirely on your interests and strengths. If you feel drawn to the visually creative process of websites, then the role of a web designer can really be your calling. On the other hand, if you’re having a knack for programming – you can still have the best of both within the role of a web developer. We’d recommend exploring your passion as well as the promising industry to figure out where you belong, but in case you’re looking for the right job opportunities, here are a few suggestions:
Innovins, Mumbai
They’re a web designing enterprise having a variety of industry experience – from eCommerce to mobile app development. Seeking web designers, both experienced and freshers, can be preferred if you’re looking to gain hands-on experience.
CodeClouds, Kolkata
Known for their breakthrough digital solutions for eCommerce, custom web and apps design & development, branding – their decade-long experience can be an excellent place to learn. If you’re looking for web designer jobs in Kolkata, working with their global team of 400+ professionals can broaden your horizon in understanding industry requirements.
ActiveBit, Pune
A full-range SEO and web development firm, they’re experts in building eCommerce websites and handling Social Media Marketing, PPC, etc. They’re on the lookout for web designers and front-end developers to join their team.
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