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What is the difference between a web designer and developer, exactly? They both help build websites but are engaged in very distinct areas. Developers build the website’s core structure utilizing complex coding languages, while designers are more visually creative, focusing on the user. Developers use their professional programming and coding knowledge to breathe life into the designer’s creative vision. Think of developers as construction workers and web designers as architects – they are both needed for building a website, but they have different skill sets.

What is a web designer?

A web designer makes your website look good. They focus on the style and overall feel of the page, using software like Photoshop to customize the visual elements of the website. They also use codes like HTML and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to develop their designs. But wait, there’s more. Web designers usually have a specialism, which we’ll jump into right now.

1- User Experience (UX) designer

It is the job of a UX web designer to keep your visitors hooked. They know exactly how to design a website that your specific audience will enjoy because they have carried out thorough research into the users’ demographics and website needs, not to mention tons of prototype testing and site restructuring. Just think, if people appreciate using your website, they’re more likely to revisit or recommend it. So, you can already see how it can help grow your online presence.

2- User Interface (UI) designer

A UI web designer helps enhance the way users interact with elements, or the interface, on your website. This is done by translating complex brand ideas and values into a website that is easy and efficient to navigate. How does it differ to UX? UX involves research into building a strong base for positive user experience, while UI focuses on the aesthetics (the look and feel) of the actual website.

3- Visual designer

A visual designer is a combination of both UX and UI. It is their job not only to improve the user journey using their creative and coding skills but also to solve design issues. They also help to conceptualize a brand’s exclusive style or tone of voice. In principle, they are a master of all web design trades and their particular roles can differ greatly depending on what you want.

What is a web developer?

Part of the role of a web developer is to build a web designer’s concept. Like mentioned earlier, web developers are similar to those who build, and web designers like the visionaries. A developer generally specializes in website applications whereas a designer focuses more on what the user will enjoy doing. How does the developer-designer relationship work? A web developer uses software such as Javascript and JQuery to create a smooth-running website, into which the web designers then pour their creative juices. As designers, there are specific roles for web developers, which are highlighted below.

1- Back-end developer

The back-end is where the key structure of a website is designed. These designers are programming professionals who use complex software languages such as Java, SQL, and C#. The work they do is not seen by users because it consists of coding on the web servers and databases, not on the browser (unlike front-end developers, which you’ll soon find out). In short, their job is to produce logical, functional websites using different programs. They also spend a lot of time testing and fixing bugs.

2- Front-end developer

Also known as client-side development, It is more linked to web design than back-end development because it involves using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create things the user can see, like client lead forms. In summary, like a back-end developer, those developing the front-end have coding abilities but they build frameworks the user can genuinely interact with.

3- Full-stack developer

A full-stack developer operates across different layers – or stacks – including both the front and back end. It is primarily the full package when it comes to web development because they are an expert in all areas.

The difference between a web developer and a web designer is larger than you think. A designer brings a brand’s idea into an on-screen reality and knows exactly what the target audience will enjoy. A developer builds the core structure of the site, using coding languages to construct logical, programmatic websites. However, at times you need both to get the best experience. When building a website from the ground up, you need a web developer to build the foundation, and web designers to make it look and feel the way you and – more importantly – your users want.

Our Company, STZ Soft, is a well-known Web Design and Development Company in Mumbai. We build creative, mobile-responsive websites to deliver user-friendly experiences with fewer bounces and higher conversion.