Web Design vs Web Development – Which Career Path is Best?

Web design vs web development is an interesting debate and somewhat confusing. Both of these niches have their own persona, style, and benefits. However, the stats on web development vs web design are pretty different. The web design market size is worth $ 11 billion (IBISWorld) whilst the web development market last year was worth $60709.6M (marketwatch.com).

You might have made up your mind here… But hold on! Without web design there is no web development and without web development there is no web design. So these both careers are worth it and have their own significance. And if you are looking to make your career in the technology world, particularly as a web designer or web developer. Or are you still confused about what to choose from both? 

Then you are a lucky duck! because this blog will help you determine your career today. So give this piece a read and get to know the similarities & differences between web designers and web developers.

But just as a starter view the infographic below.

What is Web Design?

Web design is the process of creating a website and a  web designer creates the full layout, of the website and graphics. Web design is only concerned with the creation, designing, and maintenance of the visual aspects of the website. 

Popular web design tools are

• Figma
• Adobe
• ClickUp

The website designers mostly work with the client-note their requirements and then make a comprehensive plan. Moreover, the designer keeps on creating iterations until the client is fully satisfied. Once the website is approved then it goes to the technical team to inculcate the planned functionalities.

What is Web Development?

The process of creating a website or web application from scratch is known as web development. It can include designing the entire website, coding the user interface, and adding features. Some of the tools used by them are:

• GitHub
• Bit Bucket
• Chrome Developers tool

Web development, in general, is about learning and implementing programming languages to create the front-end or back-end of a website. So if, for instance, you dip into back-end development, which btw a lot of developers do, you’d be working with server-side languages such as PHP or Ruby. 

Web Design vs Web Development - Differences

Web design vs development is two different things. The table below will you full comprehension and their importance in the software development lifecycle.

 

Web Development vs Web Design - Similarities

The web development vs UX and UI design or web design vs web development is a valid debate yet surprisingly they do have similarities.

Now as you know the similarities and differences let us tell you about the salaries too. 

Web Developer vs Web Designer - Salary Comparison

The web developer and web designer salaries vary depending on the job roles, and experiences. Below is the table highlighting the salaries of web developers and designers in the US and UK. These both are one of the top regions for developers as well as designers.

 

Which One Is The Right Field For You?

Web Design vs Web Development? a lot to think right

If visuals pique your interest and you like solving visual problems (design is problem-solving and not just about making pretty things), web designing will find you. 

On the other hand, if you are a person who likes to analyze or someone who used to take a TV remote apart just to see how it works, then development might be your first choice.

At the end of the day, web design vs web development is all about personal preference. Try a little bit of both and see what brings you the most joy & satisfaction. Sometimes, the satisfaction from within trumps all the other monetary benefits.

FAQs Section

Which is better web development or web designing?

It depends upon individual preferences and skills. However, web development focuses on building the functionality and backend of a website, while web design focuses on creating the visual layout and user experience. Both are important components of creating successful websites.

Is web design harder than web development?

The difficulty level of web design versus web development is subjective and depends on an individual's skills, background, and personal preferences. Web design involves creating visually appealing and user-friendly layouts, while web development requires coding and implementing complex functionality. Both fields have their challenges and require different skill sets.

Can I be both a web designer and a web developer?

Yes, it is possible to be both a web designer and a web developer. Many professionals in the field have skills in both areas, enabling them to construct visually appealing designs and implement the necessary functionality. Being proficient in both can offer more flexibility and opportunities in web development projects.

Is web design the same as web development?

No, web design and web development are not the same. Web design refers to the visual aspects of a website, including layout, color schemes, typography, and user experience. Web development involves the technical implementation of a website, including coding, database management, server configuration, and functionality implementation.