Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Difference Between Web Design and Web Development

When you think about the difference between web design and web development you can compare it to the difference between architecture and construction. One deals with the appearance inclusive of the layout, colors, interaction between links etc related to a website or application while the other deals with the implementation or the "how" part of the process. This includes method of implementation and programming of the website or software.

When designing a website the designer must be very imaginative and creative. In addition it is necessary that the designer contact the client and fully understand what is required; the priorities and requirements. This will enable the designer to create a suitable design for the requirements. Colors also needs to be taken into careful consideration and also the appearance as it relates to the client's marketing needs and wishes they may have..

Consider web designing for the Coca Cola Company as an example. The designer would need to consider the color and as we all know the most dominant color of Coca Cola is red. So it would not be wise for the designer to hint at the company to put another color as the more dominant one when designing their web site. Also the company's lively and young image suggests a design that will closely match a youthful and vibrant look. This can be accomplished by adding videos, texts that has stars coming out from them and any additional graphic that will create a spark in a younger crowd.

Web development on the other hand involves implementing the design from the website design model.

The developers may need to perform a feasibility study with the designers in the initial phases of the website development. Sometimes the expectation of the designers is very high and often exceeds the limits of the technology available to the developers. Thus the developers may need to find the best way they can develop the website without interfering too much with the look and feel of the product.

As with our Coca Cola example; once the company accepts the design presented to them the designers will then present the model to the developers. The developers in turn will analyze the model and decide what is possible and what needs to be reconsidered or altered. Then an actual technical solution that best suits the design will be implemented. It is not necessary that the developers know why certain colors are preferred; they just need to follow the design specifications. However, the developer may call a meeting with the company and the designers to inform them about anything that is beyond the scope of their technology and decide on a more suitable way of developing their website.

To ensure quality work which is expected by all clients it is essential for web designers and web developers to work together. It is important to note though that both of them have different parts to play in the overall development of the website; one is focused on the appearance and the other on the foundation just like architect with its constructors.

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