When planning to create a website, you might think about hiring a developer or a designer. But did you know that web design and web development are not the same? Both are important for building websites, software, and apps used on smartphones and tablets.

While web design and development share some similarities, they also have key differences. Understanding these can help you see how they work together and why both are essential for any web project.

What is Web Design?

Web designing is all about making a website look good and easy to use. It covers things like the layout, colors, fonts, and how the pages are organized. The goal is to design a site that catches the eye and is simple to navigate.

A well-designed website looks appealing, matches the brand’s style, and works well for the people using it. Web designers focus on visuals like creating logos, choosing colors, planning how the site will look (storyboards), and working on how users interact with the site (UI and UX design). They make sure everything fits together to give users a great experience.

What is Web Development?

Website development is the process of building websites that work properly. It involves turning a web designer’s ideas into a working site through coding. The coding ensures the website is functional and does what it’s supposed to do.

There are two main types of web developers:

• Front-End Developers: These website developers focus on the parts of the website that users see and interact with, like buttons, images, and text. They make sure the website looks good and works well on all devices, such as phones and computers.
• Back-End Developers: These developers work behind the scenes. They manage the database and handle the technical parts of the website. They make sure the information stored in the database shows up correctly on the front-end and that the site runs smoothly.

Difference Between Web Design and Web Development

Web design and web development often overlap, and it’s common for a developer to know some design or for a designer to understand coding like HTML and CSS. To make things more confusing, people sometimes use “web design” to refer to both design and development because it’s easier to say and understand.

However, web design and web development are different skills, and both are important for creating a great website. They work together to build a site that looks good, works well, and provides a great experience for users.

Below are the main differences between web design and web development.

1. Web Developers Don’t Create Visual Designs

Web developers focus on building the structure and functionality of a website, not the creative visuals. Web designers create the visual parts of a website, like layouts and graphics, using tools like Figma or Sketch. 

Developers take these designs and turn them into a working website by writing code in languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. While designers make things look good, developers ensure those designs function properly on the site.

2. Web Designers Don’t Usually Write Code

Web designers typically don’t write the code for websites. Instead, they focus on tasks like creating layouts, editing images, and designing how a website should look and feel. Some designers know basic HTML and CSS, which can help customize visual elements, but they’re not expected to write complex code like developers do. 

Developers handle the technical parts, like programming with languages such as Python or PHP. In some cases, designers might use no-code tools to build sites, but they don’t usually dive into coding.

3. Web Design Is Often Cheaper Than Web Development

Hiring a web designer generally costs less than hiring a web developer. According to ZipRecruiter, as of November 2024, web designers earn around $35 per hour, while developers earn about $45 per hour. This difference is because web development requires more technical skills, such as coding, which takes longer to learn. However, experienced designers or developers may charge higher rates.

4. Web Design on Looks; Web Development on Functionality

Web design is all about how a website looks and feels. Designers aim to create an enjoyable and visually appealing experience for users. On the other hand, web development focuses on how the website works, ensuring all features and functions run smoothly. In simple terms: designers create the look, and developers build the mechanics behind it.

Understanding these differences helps you know who to hire based on your needs—someone to design the website’s appearance or someone to build and maintain its functionality.

Similarities Between Web Design and Web Development

To understand how web design and development are similar, I spoke with Tammy Hart, a self-taught web designer and front-end developer.

Hart explains it this way: “Imagine a spectrum between design and development. On one end, you have design that never involves code, and on the other, development that doesn’t involve design. But as you move toward the middle, the two areas overlap more and more.”

This overlap shows that while design and development are different, they share some common ground, especially when working together to build a website.

1. Both Improve User Experience

To keep customers returning to your website, focus on user experience. A good user experience makes visitors enjoy using your site and feel positive about your product or service. If the experience is poor, they may get frustrated and leave.

Web design ensures the site is easy to navigate, while development ensures it functions properly. A beautiful site is useless if it doesn’t work as expected.

2. Both Work Together for a Complete Website

Web design and development must work as a team to create a website that looks good and works well. Design focuses on how the website looks and feels, while development ensures it operates smoothly. 

Without design, the site may feel dull and unappealing. Without development, the site might not function at all. When both come together, the result is a seamless and enjoyable web experience for users.

What Marketers Should Know About Web Design vs. Web Development?

Marketers should understand a few key points about web design and development. First, it’s important to communicate clearly with both the developer and designer. Be specific about what you want, and you’ll be happier with the final result. Creating a list of must-have features can help ensure the website meets your expectations.

Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of mobile experiences. In 2024, mobile devices made up about half of all global web traffic. Working with a developer and designer to create a mobile-friendly site, you’ll make sure your website works well on all devices and keeps customers happy.

Design Attracts, Development Delivers

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” — Steve Jobs

When building a website, understanding the difference between web design and web development can make all the difference. A great design draws people in, while strong development keeps everything running smoothly. 

Working with the right professionals and focusing on both appearance and functionality, you can create a website that stands out, works well, and leaves a lasting impression on your visitors. The choices you make now will shape how people experience your brand online.

Want a website that looks great and works perfectly? Design a Domain is here to help. Our expert team creates designs that grab attention and development that keeps everything running smoothly. Don’t settle for less—let your website show off your brand the right way. Contact Design a Domain today and take the first step toward online success!

FAQs

Which is better website design or website development?

Deciding if web design or web development is better depends on what you enjoy and your skills. Web design focuses on creating the visual look and feel of a website, requiring creativity and an eye for aesthetics. Web development, on the other hand, involves building and maintaining the technical aspects of a website, requiring strong coding skills and problem-solving abilities.

What pays more web design or web development?

When it comes to pay, web developers typically earn more than web designers. This is because development often involves more technical skills and coding knowledge. According to industry reports, web developers generally have higher average salaries compared to web designers. This pay difference can be attributed to the demand for skilled developers and the complexity of their work.

Is a web designer the same as a web developer?

No, a web designer is different from a web developer. A web designer focuses on the visual and user experience aspects of a website, such as layout, color schemes, and typography. In contrast, a web developer takes these designs and turns them into a functioning website using programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Who makes more money, a web designer or a web developer?

Overall, web developers tend to earn more than web designers due to the technical nature of their work and the high demand for their skills. However, both roles are essential for creating effective and appealing websites. In the field of website design and development, the choice between the two should be based on your interests and strengths.