The understanding of the terms “web design” and “web development” are often mixed up and confused. In fact, it is not your fault not knowing the proper meaning of these terms if your web guy have not explained this to you thoroughly. Here I will try to give an explanation so that you may become knowledgeable when you need a new website or update of your existing website.

Web Design

The term web design usually refers to the creation of  the preliminary graphical concept of a website. Usually design agencies have different people for this role. This preliminary graphic concept is usually created in Adobe Photoshop, or other graphic design program. So web design is basically graphic design for the web, or graphic design for a website.

When a web design version is ready it is sent to the client for approval. Once the version of the web design is approved it goes to the web development team for coding/web programing the website according to the graphic concept.

Web design oftentimes refer to the whole process of creating a website. This use of the term can be confusing although widely accepted.

Web Development

The term web development usually refers to the process of turning web design (graphic concept) to a website. This process is done by web programming with a given web programming language. Web programming languages varies from HTML, CSS, PHP,  MySQL, jQuery, JavaScript, ASP.NET, C+ etc. Usually design agencies have different people for this role.

Web development can also refer to redesign or revamp of an existing website. This use of the term can be confusing although widely accepted.

Have your web guy explained this to you?