Many people use the two terms “web
developer” and “web designer” interchangeably, but fact is both of them have
different meanings. A website
designer works with graphics
and graphic design software (For instance, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop)
to create appearance for the web. This design is then merged with coding to
make it live online. The designer always may not be the one writing the code and
in many cases can work independently of the team who makes website design live.
A designer’s job is creative and uses both imagination
and intuition, often characteristics of someone who is considered as right
brained. Someone in this industry may continue his or her study in a variety of
fields but is most commonly focused on the arts and graphic design. Website designer accumulate work portfolios to show
their projects to potential employers. The best designers possess a strong
knowledge on a various concepts including color & typography, audience,
user experience and special relationships.
While aspects of a web developer’s job may look like that
of a website designer, it
can be quite different from each other as well.A web developer is the builder
of the backbone of websites and knows languages related to the web. Javascript,
JQuery, HTML, and CSS are among the tools in developer’s kit. Web Developers
generally don’t focus on making something look visually attractive but make
websites with clean code which are technically sound.
Web developers are often considered as left brained
workers. Skills from thinking to logic and technical ability are an essential
part of developer’s repertoires. Web developers may have degrees in fields like
programming or computer science. Most employers asks for a portfolio during the
hiring a web developer. The best developers are keen on specifics and often detail oriented.
Both website developers and website designers are working toward a particular goal
to create a website that attracts users. To do this, both the design and
development have to be sound. A site needs to look appealing and function
properly. The imagery and colors need to reflect the brand and the interface
needs to attract visitors to take a desired action. The defined lines between
website developers and website designers are becoming fuzzier as more web
designers are learning to code and more web developers are putting close
attention to design theory.
One of the toughest parts about website
development and website design can be communicating and working together in a
way that everyone understands. There is jargon on each side which can make
working together hard if he or she don’t consider his or her words carefully.
So, all of these differences prove that website
designer and website
developer are two different roles or jobs.