Web Developer Vs. Web Designer: The 6 Main Differences

What is the difference between a web developer vs. web designer? Which one you should hire? It’s easy to get confused with web developers and web designers, as they both help in building a website. However, they both are involved in different fields.

A web developer is someone who builds websites and maintains the core structure of a website. A web designer is someone who is responsible for designing the layout, usability, and visual appearance of a website. If you are considering hiring a web developer or web designer, you need to understand what they do separately, as well as their skill sets.

You should also consider factors such as the costs of hiring them. In this guide, we will break down the role of a web developer and web designer, and we will also cover what are the differences between web developer vs. web designer and how much they cost. So let’s get started.

The Role of a Web Developer

A web developer is someone who is primarily responsible for building and maintaining the core structure of a website. Their role includes a lot of technical work, including using complex coding and advanced programming languages. Generally, they take ideas from the designers and turn them into real and fully functional websites. More specifically, the responsibilities of a web developer involve constructing the website itself. This includes coding and configuring the server and database on the track end, incorporating user-facing and functionality.

Web developers also perform testing and debugging and may handle a wide range of post-launch services, like providing continuous support and maintenance and fixing server or hosting issues.

To understand the role of a web developer in a better way, a web developer works on a website in the same as the construction of a new house. The web developers take the design plans and blueprints drafted by the architect or we can say web designer and lay the foundation to make sure that there is a functional, sound structure in place.

Types of Web Developers

Generally, web developers focus on a few specific programming languages. However, what languages they will use, depends on the type of web development work they do.

Below are three major types of web developers:

→ Front-End Web Developers

Front-end developers code the actual website using programming languages such as CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and others, also they work on Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress.

Front-end development also often known as client-side development, primarily includes coding and programming the visual elements of a website that users see.

This is the reason why there is a fair amount of collaboration between front-end developers and web designers.

→ Back-End Web Developers

These web developers code the database and server using advanced technologies and programming languages such as PHP, C#, Ruby, Java, SQL, NodeJS, and other server-side frameworks.

Back-end development is also known as server-side development. Mainly, it includes the aspects of the website happening ‘behind the scenes’, which users don’t see from the front end.

→ Full-Stack Web Developers

Lastly, full-stack developers code both the front-end as well as the back-end of a website. They have a strong understanding of how these two parts function together.

Additionally, a full-stack web developer also works on setting up and configuring servers, coding Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and query databases in addition to coding web pages using CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.

What skillset is Required for a Web Developer?

As we have mentioned earlier, web developers require a certain technical skill set to fulfill their roles. Below are the main skills required as a web developer:

Coding and programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP

» JavaScript frameworks such as jQuery

» Testing & Debugging

» Side-server and databases

» Content Management Systems like WordPress

» Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Aside from these technical skills, there are also non-technical skill sets that a web developer should have. This includes analytical skills and problem solving which can be used during the debugging process. It is also equally important to have solid communication skills and collaboration skills for working with clients and other team members. Many web developers use a handful of tools and platforms such as Jira for issue tracking and GitHub for code versioning.

The Role of Web Designer

Web designers are responsible for creating the layout and visual aspects of a website.  However, they have other sets of tasks and responsibilities as well.

Primarily, their goal is to ensure that the site is visually appealing and user-friendly and encourages visitors to stay around for as long as possible. In addition to creating the general framework and layout structure, a web designer also considers and constructs conversion-generating elements as well as designing web pages in a way that translates across multiple devices. A web designer should be updated on the latest web design trends and follow certain standards and best practices. They also deal with brand imagery, color palettes, fonts, and so on.

Types of Web Designers

There are main three types of web developers, each focusing on a specific and unique type of work. These include:

→ User Experience (UX) Designers

UX designers ensure that the website is structured in a way that engages users and delivers a positive experience. Their responsibility is to create human-centric designs that are based on data-driven decisions. For this, they conduct a lot of research and testing to collect and analyze data, which is used to inform their final design options.

→ User Interface (UI) Designers

UI designers also play a critical role in the design process of a website. They prioritize interactions in addition to the experience they provide.

Primarily, their role is to enhance the usability of a website and optimize it in a way that helps encourage conversions as well as build strong relationships between users and organizations.

→ Visual Designers

As the name suggests, visual designers work with the layout and visual elements of a website. This responsibility includes certain aspects of both UX and UI design. The duties of a visual designer are based on ensuring that the interface is both easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. Most web designers use a few tools, software, and programs to perform their tasks.

The most important as well as popular design and editing software is Adobe Photoshop for example. A visual designer may also use stock photography resources, image optimization, and compression tools. Further, they often use a CMS such as WordPress, and a website builder platform such as Elementor.

Essential Skills Required for a Web Designer

What skill sets web designers require to be successful, depends on the specific responsibilities they have and their specialty. But, generally, a few essential skills include:

» Understanding the fundamentals of website design

» Understanding of web accessibility standards

» Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)

» User journey mapping

» Responsive and interaction designs

» Branding, color theory, and typography

» Design tools and software

» Wireframing and prototyping

Apart from these technical skills, several non-technical skills are important for a web designer. For example, solid communication skills are essential to communicate effectively with clients to set and manage expectations. Furthermore, should have the ability to work with a team, such as a web developer to ensure that each task goes as smoothly as possible.

Web Developer Vs. Web Designer

I hope now you have a better understanding of the key differences between a web developer vs. web designer. Let’s bring everything together and look at a quick breakdown of the biggest distinctions between these two roles.

» While web developers focus on the functionality and structure of a website, web designers work on appearance and usability.

» Web designers create the idea and look of a website, developing a mockup based on visual, UX, and UI elements. On the other hand, web developers determine whether the idea is financially and technically profitable and if so, program and code the site.

» Web designer’s responsibilities are more about visuals and creating elements of a website while a web developer’s role requires a strong understanding of technical knowledge such as understanding complex programming languages and frameworks.

» Generally, there are three types of web developers, front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack web developers. The three main types of web designers are UI, UX, and visual designers.

» Web developers often use tools and programs including coding libraries and frameworks, code versioning and issue tracking platforms like GitHub and Jira, hosting panels, and FTP clients and CMSs.

On the other hand, web designers usually use design editing software such as Photoshop, a website builder like Elementor, and a CMS such as WordPress along with wireframing and prototyping tools.

» The hiring a web developer for website development is comparatively costly more than a web designer, or we can also say that hiring a web designer is comparatively cheaper than hiring a web developer.

Ultimately, these two roles depend on each other to deliver a quality product or in this case, we can say a website. For example, a web developer will help web designers turn their ideas into a fully functional website, while a web designer will often take advice from a web developer over what design features will be there and won’t be possible for the project.

Both web developers and web designers play a crucial role in building, constructing, and maintaining websites.

How much does a Web developer and Web Designer Cost?

Now when we know the differences between a web developer vs. web designer, the next step is to know about their pricing.

A freelance web developer normally costs $30-$65 p/h, while hiring a freelance web designer usually costs between $10-50 p/h. A medium-sized web development agency that will provide both sides of website construction will cost you between $65-$100 p/h for a basic website.

In a lump sum, you will probably be spending around $6,000 in total for designing a site if you hire both developers and designers. However, I’d suggest you choose a top web development company that will not only save you money but also provide you with the website in a shorter period.

To get the desired website for your business, contact us today.

When do you need a Web Developer and Web Designer?

As we have already discussed above, both web developers and web designers have different skill sets that help in developing an overall website. So if you think, you need to create visuals for your website, you should hire a web designer. He/She will create a vision for your website including the stand-out elements, the look and feel of the website, and the functionalities for a seamless user experience.

After the web designer has provided wireframes and mockups, you will need to hire a front-end developer to code them. The front-end developer will turn these templates into a working website using one of the front-end coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can also look for a full-stack developer who has the skills in both front-end and back-end processes and can create a solid program or website development.

To make you understand in a better way, here are some tasks with the required role:

Conclusion

In summary, the difference between a web developer vs. web designer is bigger than you think. A web developer develops the site’s core structure, using coding languages to construct logical, programming websites. A web designer brings a brand into an on-screen and knows what the specific audience will enjoy.

However, just fries with ketchup, sometimes your business needs both to get the best experience for you and your customers. To start from scratch you need a web developer to build the basics, and a web designer to make it look and feel the way you want, and more importantly, your audience wants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What should I consider when hiring a web designer?

Ans. When hiring a web designer to build your website look for someone who has a strong eye for design and visual features. Also, someone who is up to date on web design trends. Always ask to see their portfolio of previous work to see if their design style matches your goals.

Q2. What should I consider when hiring a web developer?

Ans. To hire the best web developer, look for someone who is proficient in coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as well as understands the need for a website to function properly. Additionally, look for someone who not only has technical experience but also solid communication and problem-solving skills.

Q3. Should I hire a web developer and a web designer?

Ans. Which one you should choose, depends upon the needs of your business. For example, if you want to add a contact page to your website then you probably should hire a  web developer and if you want some visuals on your website then you should hire a web designer.