Web Designer vs Web Developer: Who Comes First?

Whenever you read about the website there are two terms that often come up “Web Design” and “Web Development”. People often get confused between them and wonder which of them comes first. It is easy to get confused between them as they both work on the website. In this post, let’s end the Web Designer vs Web Developer discussion.

Before getting into the debate of Web Designer vs Web Developer let’s first understand what is Web designing and Web developing. Also, what do a web designer and web developer do? When we need a designer and a developer.

Web Designer

A designer is someone who works on the layout of the project. A web designer should have skills like creativity. The designer makes your website presentable to the clients. The tools that Web Designer uses are Content Management System (CMS), Wireframing tools, Graphics editor, etc.

Types of Web Designer –

User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers deal with how the visitors have their experience on the website. They make sure that the visitors have a peaceful and smooth experience. The UX Designer creates the design as per the feedback given by the audience.
User Interface (UI) Designer: UI designers deals with the look and feel of the website. They make sure that your visitors like what they see and work on the appearance of the website.
Visual Designer: Visual designers deal with both designs. They make sure that visitors have a peaceful experience with pleasing features.

Web Developer

A developer is someone who converts that layout into the final piece. A web designer should know coding languages like HTML, Java, etc. The developer makes the website useable. The tools that Web Developer uses are Code editors, Web application frameworks, Frontend application frameworks, etc.

Types of Web Developer are –

Backend Developer: Backend developers are responsible for all the functions that happen behind the website. This includes advanced programming languages like PHP, Java, and Python. The code links the server and the website which helps the site function properly and continues to work over time.
Frontend Developer: Frontend developers deal with everything that visitor sees when they use the website. The programming language they use are HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other coding languages to make the visual elements that appear on your pages.
Full-Stack Developer: A full-stack developer can develop both frontend and backend websites. They are basically a web developer with different skills. They have complete knowledge of how to build a site.

Now that you have a clear idea of who is a Designer and a Developer and what are their roles.

Let’s have a quick overview on Web Designer vs Web Developer.

The Developers build the website whereas Designers work on its creative aspect.
The Developers work on the functionality of the website and the Designers works on the appearance of the website.
The Designers transform their idea into visual elements and the Developers transform the design into a full-fledged website.
The Developers need more technical knowledge than the designer. The designer should be creative.
The Designers manage the layout of the website and the developers keep a close check on the functioning of the website.

When do we need a web designer and a web developer?

We need a Web Designer when we have to design a homepage, conceptualize the new website branding, or need to edit or update anything.

We need a Web Developer when we have to build a form, create an app, fix the server, or if there are any hosting issues.

When it comes to building a website from the start then a Designer and Developer are required.

Let’s summarize the topic Web Designer vs Web Developer –

Now that we have understood the concept. Let’s see what we have learned till now.

A Designer brings the client’s idea on the screen. Then he makes the design according to what the visitors of the website will enjoy. They are less technical and more creative. They use languages like HTML and CSS.

A Developer builds that design with the codes. He makes the website useable for visitors. They have more technical skills. They use languages like PHP and Python.

Now let’s talk about the second part that is who comes first?

Designers come first as the Designer first makes the mock-up of the website. The client then checks whether the design is ready or if they want some changes. If the client is not happy or satisfied with the mock-up then they request some changes. Then the Designer again makes the changes according to the needs of the client.

Another reason why this phase should come first is that the changes can be done easily in the layout. Once the website is finalized it is difficult to alter the website.

After making all the necessary alterations, the Developer can start their work on the website. They can add all the features and functions that are required.

Conclusion

We know that creating a website is a hard and complex task. There are different phases involved when it comes to designing a website. We need two very different skills to make a full fledge website which involves Designing and Developing.

However, you need to have both to get maximum efficiency. Designer and Developer both play a very important role in making a website. Both roles are very different but at the same time very important. You need a developer when you have to build a site and give it a look and feel what the client is demanding then you need the designer.

We know that it is difficult to trust anyone when it comes to building or maintaining your website. But we at ZapOne Solutions provide all the tech services that you are looking for at very reasonable rates.

We have an experienced team of the best developers, designers, and marketing experts. We specialize in building and maintaining attractive websites and apps for you.

No matter if it’s a WordPress website or a business-based web app, our process is to design and develop a site that will meet your satisfaction.