Web Designing, Web Development, and the Hybrids
The advent of the internet was marked by a paradigm shift from traditional to digital marketing. The demand for web designing and development became the heightened pursuit of businesses that took to eCommerce. Initially, web designers were only responsible for the designing part and web developers for coding only. However, today, this simplistic aggregation is being opposed by the web-induced, ever-blurring professional roles. It's hard to find a web designer without a little knowledge about HTML and CSS or a developer who can't hit up a storyboard.
However, the professional roles outlined for web designers and web developers vary conceptually, which also allow them to contribute separately to the design and development of apps and websites we know and love.
Understanding Web Designing
Visual aesthetics and usability of any website, including the information flow, layout, logo, graphics, illustration, format, typography, branding, storyboards, wireframes, and everything related to the visual features of UI/UX, is what comprises web design. Web designers give life to virtual experience with colours, images, layouts and typography. That said, when pitching an idea to the team, designers seek to create mock-ups for which it's desirable to have a basic understanding of HTML, JavaScripts and CSS. Template services offered by WordPress and Joomla have made the task easier for designers as they can create websites using themes and widgets, without single coding.
Understanding Web Development
If web design is what the user sees on the screens, web development is what works beneath the surface. Web development consists of coding against all the visual aspects, hence it’s a mechanism that makes a website work by determining site functionality, integrating security measures, and implementing application features. Web development plays on both front-end and back-end; and it is the role of a front-end developer which shares some traits with a web designer. The designs that are mocked up by a designer is brought to life by coding, which is undertaken by web developers. That said, a versatile developer with a knack for designing, is a juggler, having some fundamental knowledge and clarity of best practices in UI/UX design as well. That way, a developer can envision the look and feel of the end product by making use of the right technology.
Meet the“Juggler”- the Hybrids
The ‘designer/developer hybrid’ makes a good number in the industry - thanks to the plethora of educational resources available across the internet. Such jugglers who can walk and chew gum at the same time, are efficient on both ends of the spectrum, which makes them highly sought-after. Right from visual mock-ups to front-end developing, these "jugglers" alone can take your design and development projects forward.
The real advantage of developers who can design, and designers who can develop, lies in their ability to speak each other's language. You are sure to land on the safe side with these "hybrids" as it leads to smoother workflow and enhanced communication among the teams. However, as the rule suggests, these "jugglers" can be hired for small projects that require to be managed by one or two people. To add, “hybrids” lack the specialisation to professionally carry the project forward. Clearly defined, and distinctive designing and development is required to handle sophisticated projects. These projects demand specialisation and expertise of more than just a couple of people. It requires a whole team.
For your sophisticated projects that require specialisation and expertise, hire Interactive Bees!
