Posted by on Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 at 11:12 am.
One question that used to puzzle me was the difference between a web designer and a web developer. As I was nearing the end of university, I didn’t understand the difference. As the web design industry requires such a large set of skills, I don’t believe that someone who works building web-sites can be categorized into just 2 categories. I also believe that the line between the two ‘disciplines’ is very blurred.
What is a Web Designer?
It is my understanding that a Web Designer is initially responsible for the ‘look and feel’ of a web site. The design. The Web Designer then builds the web-site in a basic structure, implementing Flash and graphics, sometimes working alongside a Web Developer to achieve the finished article. It is a Web Designer’s job to produce a well designed proposal, and see the web-site through to completion. The general role of a Web Designer may consist of the following:
- Proposal Designs & Ideas
- Construction of the design & templates through HTML & CSS
- Integration of Flash, graphics and typography
- Basic development such as contact forms etc
- Quality Control, through spelling, grammar dead-link checking etc
Experienced and capable Web Designers could also have experience with scripting such as; Javascript, Ajax, PHP, SQL, ASP and Actionscript to name a few. Experienced designers may also have experience with 3rd party software such as WordPress, Open Source scripts and ‘Off The Shelf’ scripts for things like E-commerce Platforms.
What is a Web Developer?
I believe that a Web Developer is defined as an individual or team who are responsible for the construction of a system or web site that exceeds the capacity of HTML. A Web Developer would also possess a fair understanding in design and CSS in order to deliver their project in a professional and user-friendly format. The general role of a Web Developer may consist of the following:
- Construction and testing of bespoke online software.
- Integration between back-end and front end with the designer.
- Use of languages & systems such as PHP, ASP, MySQL to name a few.
- Web Developers may also specialise in Actionscript for application in Flash.
Most professionals in the industry are trained accordingly and specialise in either of these two fields. However there are some designers that would consider themselves competent in both fields.
What do you think?
Channel
on February 9th, 2009 Says:
Hi..
great article..
Nicely mentioned the roles of both web designer as well as developer, would be of great reference for aspiring young designers and developers.
Thanks..
john..
on February 19th, 2009 Says:
Hi James
I think it is becoming increasingly important that both Web Designers and Web Developers cross over with their skill sets, both can learn from one another, especially if your working with a team.
The individual such as myself are equally adept at both and other just as important categories.
The platforms should not really be too much of an issue as developers should ideally be more software engineers as they do deal with many different platforms that all have their ins and outs and quirks
on February 19th, 2009 Says:
Hi James,
Kev raises some good points in his comment (as you do in your original post)! There’s definitely a need for cross over, or at the least, understanding.
For instance, I’m not visually or graphically minded at all – I’m definitely a developer, and a techie – but by working on improving my understanding of design processes, elements of effective design and so forth, I’ve found we are able to get much better results in the long run – because we are working towards the same goal.
on February 23rd, 2009 Says:
Hi James,
Great article but one question:
What are the skills required of a web designer?
Thanks, Tom
on February 27th, 2009 Says:
Tom, I think the basic skills required are a good working knowledge of HTML, CSS and a WYSIWYG editor like Dreamweaver. And obviously the ability to design a good looking web-site.
on March 3rd, 2009 Says:
I agree with your distinctions. However, I think in these times a good designer should also have decent hand-coding skills for CSS and HTML. A lot of leading web interface designers like Alex Bugga & Verle have good hand-coding skills and some even know JavaScript and server-side languages.
on March 30th, 2009 Says:
Time and time again, I find myself in the situation of talking to a prospective client and the discussion going along the lines of:
- Hello! My name is XY, I need a web designer for my new site
- Hello! I would love to assist you with this new project of yours. I’m a web developer.
- Developer? Hmmm… Whatever! So, you do websites. Right?
What I’m trying to say is that the regular client won’t be able to tell the difference between designer and developer, anyway