Design and Development are terms often used loosely and interchangeably in discussions about web projects. However, each has a different meaning, and each refers to a differing set of tasks and objectives.

Web design generally refers to the art of creating a graphical interface for a web site. It includes everything from selecting color schemes to creating the graphics that define the layout of each page. Also bundled into the design camp, are the steps that are taken to convert the graphical representation into a static, functional site. This includes conversion to HTML and other browser-display technologies, and verification of cross-browser compatibility. For most practical purposes, web design can provide a complete web site based on static information that does not change frequently, and does not depend on user interaction for functionality.

Web development takes over where design ends. Development almost always involves utilizing databases to provide functionality. User accounts, eCommerce, dynamic content, and client-editable content, are all examples of functions that are provided through development rather than design.

Although design and development each has distinctive and differing tasks, a smooth workflow between a designer and a developer is essential, and best achieved when each understands the basics of the other. Since design can best be summarized as “appearance” and development refers to “functionality”, it becomes easier to not only see how each is different, but to realize how closely they work together.

Some examples of design and development functions are as follows:

Design: Concept design Art and logo creation Font and color selections Imagery Conversion to HTML Simple form processing

Development: User authentication Content management solutions eCommerce shopping carts Image galleries Permissions-based content Product catalogs Custom applications