What is the difference between a web designer and web developer?
A web designer is a graphic artist responsible for designing the layout, usability, and visual appearance of a website. On the technical/code side, he has more basic knowledge than a developer. He or she focuses most on the front-end part of the site, that is, the part that users see, and knows HTML, CSS, and Javascript. A successful web designer must possess a range of creative, graphic, and technical skills.
A web developer (or web developer in English) is someone who builds and maintains the main structure of a website.Their role involves a lot of technical work, including the use of complex codes and advanced programming languages, such as. PHP, Python, SQL, etc. In a nutshell, they take the ideas and concepts developed by designers and turn them into real, living, fully functioning Web sites.
More specifically, the tasks of a Web developer involve building the Web site itself. This includes coding and configuring the server and databases on the back-end, as well as incorporating user-facing features and functionality. They also perform testing and debugging and may handle a variety of post-launch services, such as providing ongoing support and maintenance and resolving server or hosting issues.
The role of a web designer
Web designers have a varied set of tasks and responsibilities. However, a designer’s role revolves around creating the layout and visual aspects of a website.
Their goal is often to make sure that the site is visually pleasing and easy to use, and that it encourages visitors to stick around as long as possible. In addition to the overall framework and layout structure, this also means considering and building elements that generate conversion, as well as designing Web pages in a way that translates well across various devices.
Web designers must stay up-to-date on the latest web design trends and adhere to certain standards and best practices. They often deal with brand images , color palettes, fonts and so on.
There is also a fair amount of research and testing involved in a web designer’s work. It is important to make sure that the Web site is designed to meet user expectations and client specifications.
In addition, a Web designer will need to consider how his or her design affects the coding of the Web site. Designers create a site structure and mockup, which developers then bring to life by coding the site.
The work of web designers typically also includes some post-launch services . They may provide content creation and updates, maintenance and monitoring services, and ongoing performance checks.
Types of web designers
Generally there are 3 types of web designers, each of whom specializes more in one of these 3 types listed below.
- User experience (UX) designer
- User interface (UI) designer
- Visual Designer
UX designers
UX designers help ensure that the Web site is structured to engage visitors and provide a positive experience. Their role is to create human-centered designs based on data-driven decisions. This involves conducting a lot of research and testing to collect and analyze data, which is used to inform their final design choices.
User interface designers
User interface designers also play an important role in the design of a Web site. In addition to the experience it provides, they also prioritize interactions. More specifically, their role is to improve the usability of a Web site and optimize it in a way that encourages conversions.
Visual Designers
Visual designers, as the title suggests, work with the layout and visual elements of a Web site. This job combines some aspects of both UX and user interface design. The duties of a visual designer are based on ensuring that the interface is aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
Most web designers use a handful of tools, software and programs to accomplish their tasks. The most important of these are design and editing software and programs, such as Adobe Photoshop.
They may also use stock photography resources, as well as image optimization and compression tools. In addition, web designers often use a CMS such as WordPress and a website creation platform such as Elementor
The skills required by web designers to be successful vary depending on each person’s specific role and specialty. However, in general, some important skills include:
- Knowledge of HTML and CSS
- Understanding of Web site design principles and Web accessibility standards
- Responsive and interaction design
- Conversion rate optimization (CRO)
- User path mapping
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Branding, color theory and typography
- Design tools and software
There are also a number of non-technical skills that are important for web designers. For example, strong communication skills are needed to properly communicate with clients to set and manage expectations. In addition, having the ability to collaborate with others on a team, such as web developers, is important to ensure that each project runs as smoothly as possible.
The role of the web developer
A developer usually specializes in designing Web site apps; a Web designer focuses more on what the user will enjoy doing.
How does the relationship between developers and designers work? A web developer builds the framework of a website using software such as Javascript and JQuery, with the goal of creating a fluid website, onto which web designers pour their creative juices. Like designers, there are specific roles for web developers, which we will highlight below.
Types of web developer
Back-end developer
The back-end is where the main structure of the website is designed . These developers are skilled in programming and using complex software languages such as Java, SQL, and C#. The work they do is not seen by users because it involves coding on web servers and databases, not on the browser (unlike front-end developers, which you will soon discover).
In short, their job is to create logical and functional Web sites using various programs. They also spend a lot of time testing and fixing bugs.
Front-end developer
This is also known as client-side development. It is more related to web design than back-end development because it involves using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create things that the user can see, such as forms for customer leads.
In summary, like a back-end developer, the front-end developer has coding skills but builds frameworks that the user can actually interact with.
Full-stack developer
A full-stack developer works on several layers, or stacks, including both front-end and back-end. He or she is essentially the complete package when it comes to web development because they are experts in all areas.
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