Web Design vs Web Development: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever searched for someone to build your website, chances are you’ve come across both “web designers” and “web developers.” But what do they actually do—and which one do you need?
In Kenya, many businesses use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same. This guide breaks down the difference between web design and web development in a simple, practical way.
What Is Web Design?
Web design is about how your website looks and feels. Designers focus on:
- Layout
- Color schemes
- Fonts and typography
- User experience (UX)
- Responsiveness (how the site adapts to mobile screens)
A web designer uses tools like:
- Figma
- Adobe XD
- Canva
- WordPress page builders (like Elementor or Divi)
They design pages that are not only beautiful but also user-friendly. Think of web designers as the architects who create the visual blueprint.
Explore more: What Makes a Website Convert Visitors to Customers
What Is Web Development?
Web development is about how your website works. Developers bring the design to life through code and functionality.
There are two main types:
- Front-End Developers: They handle what users see. They translate designs into HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Back-End Developers: They manage databases, servers, and behind-the-scenes functions like user login, form submissions, and content management.
Web developers use tools like:
- Visual Studio Code
- GitHub
- PHP, Python, or JavaScript
- Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla
If the designer is the architect, the developer is the builder who constructs the site based on that plan.
Key Differences Between Web Design and Web Development
| Feature | Web Design | Web Development |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Aesthetics and user experience | Functionality and performance |
| Tools | Figma, Photoshop, Canva | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP |
| Skills | Creativity, layout, UI/UX design | Coding, logic, database management |
| Output | Wireframes, mockups, prototypes | Working website or web application |
| In Kenya… | Often combined by freelancers | Specialized developers charge more |
Need both? Read: What You Get for KES 10K, 30K or 100K in Website Design
Should You Hire a Designer, Developer—or Both?
It depends on your project:
- If you need a simple business website with good branding → hire a web designer who understands WordPress or Wix.
- If you’re building a custom web app (like a delivery tracker or learning portal) → you’ll need a web developer.
- If you want a complete website from scratch → go for an agency or a designer-developer hybrid.
This comparison can help: Freelance Web Designer in Nairobi vs Agency – What’s Better?
Final Thoughts
Web design and web development work hand in hand.
You need design to attract visitors—and development to make everything function smoothly.
The best websites in Kenya are built when design and development work together from the start.
If you’re unsure who to hire or where to start, we can help.
Explore our Web Design Services in Kenya and get a full website solution—from design to launch.
