Web design and development has been around almost as long as websites have. Because website building used to be a much easier procedure, it had a much simpler meaning.
When you compare the first website, which was launched in 1991, to current websites, it’s clear how far they’ve progressed. Creating and managing a website nowadays is more complicated, requiring a diverse mix of jobs and skillsets.
It might be tough for designers to figure out where they belong within this ecosystem. The primary parts of the website building process are outlined in this article, including your role, the responsibilities of others, and the skill sets required.
What is web design and development?
“Web design and development” is the name given to the process of creating a website. It consists of two main skill sets: web design and web development, as the name suggests. The appearance and feel of a website is determined by web design, and the functionality is determined by web development.
The names are commonly interchanged since there isn’t always a clear distinction between the two jobs. Roles develop in tandem with the internet.
Numerous job names have arisen to define diverse skill sets necessary to construct a website in the almost 30 years since the first website was built, with more emerging every year. These phrases are commonly used interchangeably, and their meanings vary from one company to the next. It’s enough to make you dizzy.
Design vs. front-end development vs. back-end development
Let’s divide website construction into two areas to keep things simple: what the user sees and what the user doesn’t see.
What the user sees in the browser is created through design and front-end development. Colours, layout, typeface, and images—everything that contributes to a website’s branding and usability—are all defined by design, which necessitates the use of programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, and Sketch.
Front-end development is the process of putting a design into action using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Users can interact with buttons, photos, text, contact forms, and navigation menus thanks to these languages. They’re also necessary for responsive and adaptive design. Some designers code, while others are front-end developers. Some designers refuse to touch any code. Some front-end developers focus solely on coding.
Back-end development is what goes on behind the scenes on a server that the user doesn’t see. To store and administer all of the information obtained via the front end, a website needs a back end. Customers are submitting data into a website’s front-end application whether they purchase something or fill out a form. And that information is kept in a server-based database.
Because the front and back ends of a website are always interacting, it operates the way you want it to. A conductor is similar to a back-end developer. Using languages such as Ruby, PHP, .Net, and Python, as well as frameworks such as Ruby on Rails and Code Igniter, they ensure that applications, databases, and servers’ function in harmony.
Elements of web design and development
Web designers are always solving users’ concerns. On websites, users should be able to reach where they want to go and accomplish what they want with ease. A disgruntled user is less likely to stay on a website, much alone return.
That’s why every web design element is aimed at making the website as easy to use as possible, so users will come back to visit and engage with it again and again.
1. Layout: The layout of a website refers to how the header, navigation menu, bottom, content, and images are organised. The layout is determined by the goal of the website and how the web designer wants the user to interact with it A photography website, for example, would prioritise huge, beautiful photos, but an editorial website would prioritise text and letter spacing.
2. Visual Hierarchy: A user should be able to get the information they require by just looking at a website. The idea of visual hierarchy enters the picture at this point. The process of choosing which aesthetic features of a website should stand out utilising size, colour, spacing, and other factors is known as visual hierarchy.
This article’s headers are a basic example of visual hierarchy. They quickly notify you, the reader, about the essay’s topic.
3. Navigation: Using navigational aids like as site architecture, menus, and search boxes, navigation lets a user go from point A to point B. With easy, effective navigation, users can get the information they need quickly and effortlessly.
4. Colour: Colour gives a website individuality, helps it stand out, and instructs users on what to do next. A brand’s current identity or the content of a website may influence the colour palette (like how this plant website uses hues of green). A uniform colour palette aids in the organisation of a website.
5. Graphics: Logos, symbols, and pictures that appear on a website are referred to as graphics. They should be consistent in terms of colour, design, and content.
6. Speed: The time it takes for a website to load has a big impact on a user’s initial impression The user will most likely depart if it takes too long.
7. Accessibility: A website’s accessibility determines who may and may not use it. Prioritizing accessibility guarantees that all users can equally access and use a website and its functionalities.
Conclusion
A decent page design is vital in today’s Web development. A poor design will result in a loss of visitors, which will result in a loss of revenue. A good page layout must, in general, meet the essential components of a good page design. Colour contrast, text arrangement, font selection, page style, page size, visuals utilised, and consistency are all factors to consider. In order to develop a page that appeals to a certain audience. The developer must organise and evaluate the users’ statistics as well as their backgrounds. Although it might be difficult to create a design that is suitable for all users, there will be a design that is suitable for the majority of the audience. The more attractive a page is, the more visitors it will receive. This indicates more accessibility as well as the potential for increased commerce.
