The Difference Between Web Design & Web Development

People often use the terms website design and website development interchangeably but their meanings are quite different. Web Design and Web development go hand in hand but they are NOT synonymous with one another. Web Design is a plan for how the website will look and function, while Web Development is the code that controls the way the website literally looks and functions.

  • Website Designers Envision Website Projects: Project Planning, Technical Requirements, Creative Design, Interface Layout, User’s Experience, Wire-frames, Branding, etc.
  • Website Developers Make Websites Work: Code, Markup, Style, Framework, Security, Performance & Speed, Compatibility, Interaction, Responsiveness, Forms, eCommerce etc.

In Conclusion the difference between web design and web development is very distinct. Each term represents a completely different set of skills, tools and expertise.