Here, we’ll divide the roles of web design vs web development processes. Let’s start with a web developer. Their tasks include creating the technical part of a website or application. They also set up servers and databases, ensure the website’s loading speed, and optimize code. In addition, a web developer tests the website, removes any mistakes, and maintains its performance after launch. And, of course, they make sure the website looks great on all devices and browsers.
A web designer creates the website’s aesthetic. It’s everything you see – design, buttons, banners, fonts, colors, etc. First, he focuses on creating the key web design components – UX (user experience) and UI (interface). His work also includes prototyping mobile apps and creating brand identities using stylized logos and color schemes.
Why have separate teams for web development and design?
To create forceful websites and applications, it’s important to have separate teams of web designers or web developers. Separately, they will bring more value to the technical and aesthetic product components. Also, such teams can perform their tasks more efficiently by keeping the focus on creating code and attractive designs separately.
When design and development functions do not mix, there is less chance of technical mistakes or interface flaws. Also, separate teams can more effectively discuss and resolve issues without being distracted by technical or design details that are not their thing. When one specialist handles both, the results probably won’t be as good.
How does a clear role separation improve the overall website quality?
Having separate teams of web developers vs web designers will really improve the quality of your future website or app. This happens in the following way:
- When each team focuses on its own specialization, they pay more attention to details – a user-friendly interface and working features.
- Separate roles help avoid mistakes if one person tries to combine the technical and visual parts.
- A clear separation speeds up the workflow, as each team knows what they are responsible for, and both product components are created in parallel without requiring additional time.
What challenges arise when web development and design are combined?
As we’ve already mentioned, separate teams of web developers and web designers work more efficiently and quickly. Here’s what happens when these roles are combined.
- When one person handles both technical and design aspects at the same time, there can be a tension between functionality and visual appeal.
- Web development and web design require different skills. If one person handles both roles, it can lead to overload and lower the quality of work.
- Technical and design aspects require different approaches, so it’s hard for one person to focus on each properly. As a result, time is wasted, and resources are inefficiently used.
- Obviously, a web developer may not pay enough attention to design, and a designer to technical aspects. This will directly lead to inconsistencies between visual elements and technical requirements.
What are the best practices for managing separate dev & design teams?
In this process, it’s important to clearly define who is responsible for what to avoid confusion and ensure that each team works effectively. Another crucial aspect is to hold regular meetings between the teams to discuss progress, identify problems, and agree on tasks. To keep things moving smoothly and on track, use a common progress-tracking tool such as Trello, Jira, or Asana.
Even with the roles divided, make sure the teams collaborate at every stage, from planning to testing. This will ensure that the technology and design go in the right way. And also provide regular feedback to adjust the course of work if difficulties or other incompatibilities arise between the project parts.
How can businesses decide whether they need web dev or design teams?
First of all, determine which aspects of the website you need to develop – functionality or design. If the focus is on the technical side (security, features integration, etc.), then choose a web development team. If you need to create or improve the user experience and the website look, based on your brand identity, you should hire a team of web designers.
For complex and large-scale projects where an individual approach to design and a deep understanding of technical development are important, it’s better to hire both teams. If your project is small, it is likely that one universal team will be enough.
It’s also key to consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in design and development. If you have a limited budget, you should choose what is more important for the effective operation of your website – functionality or design. If you have a big budget, it’s better to hire both teams to create a highly effective and innovative product.
Conclusions
Each team – web designers and web developers – has specific skills and tasks on the way to creating working and modern products. Separately, they build the elements that come together to create effective websites and user-friendly applications that people want to use. If possible, choose both teams to add innovation and value to your product.
