subject: What Makes Website Design Different From Website Development? [print this page] In the field of website design and development, these two terms are often used inter changeably and more often than not they are perceived to be the same by the industry novices. However, these exist a fine line of distinction between website design and development. These two fields are as different as can be and hence the differences persist in terms of their concept, the purpose they solve, the tools and applications used for each one of them and the impact they have on the end user. Here in this article, we shall discuss the various differentiating criteria between website design and website development.
The difference in terms of concept:
As far as the concept goes, website design primarily deals with the ways of making the website look more impressive and user centric. The main approach here is to design a particular website, which will invite better user attention and participation. The concept of Website development revolves around the various technical requirements. It can be viewed as the back end processing of the website. It deals with efficient coding of the website, in order support the design elements and make the website fully functional.
Difference between the purpose:
As mentioned above, the purpose of website design is to make the website appear welcoming to the users. By taking into account human psychology and designs etc, the websites are so developed that they will retain the attention of the users.
The purpose of website development is primarily to build a website which is error free, loaded quickly, and has no glitches in terms of its functioning and performance of the website.
The supporting tools and applications:
As far as website design is concerned, it is supported by - obviously PhotoShop and also by other design software like Coral draw etc, Adobe photoshop offers the users with great resources to design a particular website.
Talking about website development, the clear understanding and practical applications of coding languages, primarily HTML, CSS are required. The support comes in the form CSS frameworks, website development plugins etc.
Difference in terms of skill set:
Website designer has to be an ace designer. He must have the clear cut working knowledge of various design software like Adobe PhotoShop, Coral draw etc. Besides, a designer may be involved closely with the clients, thus interpersonal skills are essential. Designing a lot of creative process, thus the designer needs to be organized, creative and must have the clear understanding of design software.
The website developer is someone who undertakes the back end processing. He needs to be a technical wizard and must carry technology at the back of his hand. He needs to spend a lot of hours of his day, sitting in front of the laptop, working on the coding. Thus the developer needs to have an eye for fine detail and should be able to work tirelessly.
