You need a website

You go on your computer and begin your research. Maybe you come across a DIY website builder like a Wix or a Squarespace. You try building your website yourself. Maybe it works for you, maybe it doesn't. Only you know what you need.

You build your website yourself and you're satisfied. Great! Congratulations! You don't need any help. Good job. Your work is done.

But wait, I still need help

Or you try building your website yourself and you're not satisfied. You find out that it's a little more complicated than you originally thought.

So you start doing your research. You find out there are major differences between a DIY builder and the more complicated system you need. You've done so much research, in fact, that you now consider yourself somewhat of an expert in the field (trust me, you're not).

So now what? You start looking for help. Maybe you begin with asking someone in your circle how they got their website made. Maybe they refer you to their developer, maybe they don't.

You still need a website

Either way, you still need a website. So the first question you need to ask yourself is...do you need a designer, do you need a design engineer, or do you need a developer? "What's the difference?" you may ask.

Understanding the Roles in Web Development: Designers, Developers, and Engineers

When delving into the realm of web development, one may encounter terms like web designers, web developers, and design engineers. While these roles might seem interchangeable at first glance, they each bring unique skills and responsibilities to the table. Identifying the distinctions between these professions is crucial.

What is a web designer?

A web designer primarily focuses on the visual aspects and usability of a website. Their main task is to create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. This involves selecting colors, fonts, layouts, and images that form the overall aesthetic of the site. Web designers usually have artistic or creative backgrounds, often working with tools like Figma, Photoshop, and sometimes HTML, CSS, and occasionally JavaScript.

However, the designs produced by web designers are often static, meaning they don't include interactive elements. They create layouts that look good but may not function interactively until further developed. Web designers typically hand over these designs to web developers or design engineers who then bring the static designs to life.

What is a web design engineer?

Web design engineers act as the bridge between web designers and the actual web page that you interact with. They are responsible for the functionality and technical aspects of a website. They take the static designs and visual elements provided by web designers and convert them into interactive, fully functional websites. This involves developing the underlying code that makes the website responsive and functional, ensuring that the design works across various browsers, devices, and screen sizes. They "translate" the design in the best way possible.

Design engineers need a good understanding of front-end (and sometimes back-end) technologies. They work with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages to ensure that the website is responsive and user-friendly. They may not delve as deeply into the core functionality or server-side logic of a website as web developers do, but they play a crucial role in the website development process.

What is a web developer?

Web developers focus on more complex tasks, such as database management, server-side logic, and application integration. They ensure that all the interactive elements work seamlessly and that the website can handle user input and data processing efficiently. Web developers often have extensive experience in their field and a deep understanding of various programming languages and frameworks.

So what do you need?

Understanding these distinctions is essential when deciding what kind of help you need for your website. If you need a visually appealing layout and design, a web designer is your go-to professional. For making that design interactive and functional, you'll need a web design engineer. And if your project requires complex functionality and robust backend integration, a web developer is the right choice.

Choosing the right professional for your website project depends on your specific needs and the complexity of your site. Whether you're starting from scratch or enhancing an existing site, knowing the roles and expertise of web designers, design engineers, and developers will help you make informed decisions and achieve the best results for your web development project.