Develop and Design – What's The Difference

Web design and web development are two terms that are often used interchangeable in error. To many people, particularly the uninitiated non-nerds, they seem to be exactly the same. Anyone who has gone through the process of designing, implementing and managing a website knows the two are actually very distinct and necessary components to a successfully implemented website.

The dictionary defines web design as the process of planning, conceptualizing, building and executing a system of media content delivery utilizing current Internet technology and techniques. That is simply a formal way of describing the process of actually designing and programming a website. At the end of the web design process, a business owner is left with just that, a web site. Web development, on the other hand is the process by which said site is transformed into a viable business site.

In technical terms, web development means utilizing tools such as web design, e Commerce development tools, content management systems and optimization techniques to create a website that attracts visitors and converts them. For business purposes, this conversion is typically a sale, but generating visitors and having them perform a predetermined action is really all that is required.

Consider two real life examples. The first is a personal web page developed by a family member hoping to share pictures and information with other family members. This website, once designed, will not undergo further development processes. There is no need to optimize the site for high search engine rankings or to integrate a check out process. The second website was designed for a small business owner selling hand-made jewelry. Once designed and 'live,' this site will need further work to become a viable business asset. SEO, content management, database management and integrated payment processing will all be necessary.

In truth, ever website undergoes the process of 'design,' but not every website must undergo 'development.' Do it yourself development is an option for some, but the complexity of the entire process often means working with professionals trained in every aspect of development on the Internet.

How involved the development process becomes is a function of the needs of the website itself. Remember that it is the process of web development that will create a website that is optimized to generate traffic and to provide potential customers with the tools they need to easily convert.

Chances are, if you have a website for anything other than personal use, you must take steps after web design to be successful.

For more related information see: Desarrollo Web