Many people use the terms ‘web designer’ and ‘web developer’ interchangeably but they really do have two different meanings and responsibilities. If you’re looking for someone to build or revamp your website then you really need to know the difference.
Web designers
They are the architects of the Internet and your website. They are focused on the look, style and feel of your website – they are the visual experts, skilled in colour schemes, graphic designs, font selection and information flow. Their job is to design an amazing user experience.
| A Web Designer:
Focuses on the look, style and feel of a website Uses HTML, CSS and JavaScript Creates a great user experience Is apt at colour scheming, graphic design, font selection and information flow Is typically right-brained with strong intuition, imagination and creativity Understand both the principles of design and website usability Has a great portfolio to share |
Web Developers
If web designers are the architects of your website project then web developers are your builders. They bring the plans to life. They work with the web designer to turn ideas and mock-ups into interactive, working, fully-functional web browser pages. They are typically skilled in programming languages. Web developers work with the back-end of your website and are focused on how a website works.
| A Web Developer:
Creates the inner workings of a website Is apt with programming languages such as PHP, ASP, Ruby on Rails, Python, HTML, CSS, XHTML Develops the user interface Is typically left-brained with logic, linear thinking and technical know-how |
Blurring the lines
Usually you will find that most web designers know a bit about programming and most web developers are aware of the importance of design to a website but to achieve the very best website you need both. So, look for someone who has experience in both fields, hire two separate professionals to work with or get the best of both worlds – hire a company like Website Design Centre where you have access to both web designers and web developers all under one roof that work collaboratively to build the best website for your business’ requirements.
