Web design is the style part of the website, and web development is the HTML/CSS coding along with the programming (JavaScript, PHP, etc.) and database management that makes the website function.
In short, the definition of web development is producing all the functionality for a website. Website development is more the technical, non-design aspects of building a website which include programming, writing HTML and doing coding (JavaScript, CSS, etc.).
Webstix does both web development and design. This means we can handle everything from the initial brainstorming meeting to wire frame designs to design mockups to coding and programming, too. We're more full service than just doing web development but if that's what you need, we can certainly do that.
Typically, with design, there are several steps:
Most of the work is done in Photoshop. Any illustrations are done in Illustrator. If photography is needed, a photo shoot is scheduled and placeholder images are used until the photos are ready.
A coder will take the Photoshop file and code it to HTML and CSS. They will produce an HTML template with related image and CSS files. This template will be tested in the latest versions of web browsers to make sure it’s compatible.
A developer will next take the template and convert it into a WordPress theme (or other CMS theme/template), adding functionality. Some functionality is on the client side (web browser), while other functionality is on the server side (PHP programming and database).
A staging website will be set up in a development environment (as close to the production environment as possible).
The functioning design/staging site will then be tested again in the latest version of major web browser.
Blank pages will then be set up along with navigation.
Next, content will be added (text/copy with links, images, video, etc.) and any other functionality (photo galleries, e-commerce, etc.) will be added on.
Finally, the complete website will be tested again in the latest version of major web browsers to ensure compatibility. The desktop and mobile versions will be tested using various devices and operating systems.
And then I’ve left out at least 150 more details – items we’ve found that Google and other search engines want done on websites. Webstix has a checklist of nearly 200 of these items to help ensure everything works correctly at launch and so that clients don’t come back after the website launches wondering why “X. Y, and Z” were not done.
We also do training and provide documentation so our clients can manage their new website themselves.