Who needs a web developer when I have a web designer?

Like many industries stereo types are formed with varying amounts of truth, the internet is no different.  In the next few paragraphs I'd like to explore some of these, specifically the Web Designer, and Web Developer. These are two distinct areas of expertise, however just to make it more confusing, they do overlap quite a bit.

The Web Designer

Most people when they decide they want a website, they look for a "web designer", this is similar to deciding you want a custom home, so you find an architect. Because the web designer is where you start the process they are often seen as the complete end as well.  In my mind a web designer should be your first stop towards building your website, but often times they don't do everything, here is what they should do at the very least:

  • Help in building Front End Models / Wireframes or blueprints for your website
  • Meet with you and consult on your what website can and should do.
  • Design the visual look of your website

The Web Developer

Now unless you have a very multi-talented Web Designer your website won't be able to do much without a web developer.  The web has grown into more than just text pages linked to each other, even the simplest of websites are like small programs running on the web.  Most Web Designers work with a web developer, some are just good at both and go solo, either way without this skill-set your design will just look pretty and not do much else. Your web developer should do at least these tasks:

  • Develop backend of website 
  • Consult on hosting solution / technology mix.
  • Consult on implementation of features outlined by Web Designer.

Possible overlap areas

Like I said most web designers and developers can do parts of eachother's job, and that is a strength to them both. Here are some tasks that both should be able to do.

  • Code html pages from design and wireframes
  • Edit and maintain website

Conclusion

I'm sure I missed some minor items as well as a vew obvious ones.  The point of this article was to highlight the importance of learning who you are dealing with and what their skills sets are.  I'll be honest, many Web Designers think they can develop and other Web Developers think they can design.  Due to no fault of their own, this is not the case most times. I would suggest finding a good 2 or 3 person team where they can specialize and overlap to deliver the best possible website.

If only there was such a place, some trustworthy, honest, and talented company like that.  If only there was a company with people like that who wrote informative articles and didn't promote themselves at the end.  Let us know if you find any, contact me shawn@himmdesign.com and lets make something, I make a mean pizza these days.


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