Web Design vs UX Design: What’s the Difference?

Web design and user experience (UX) design play critical roles in creating effective digital products and online experiences. While these two fields share some common skills and responsibilities, there are also key differences between the work of web designers compared to UX designers.

Key Takeaways on Web Design vs UX Design Careers

• Web design focuses primarily on website and web-app aesthetics, speed and responsiveness
• UX design (or UI design) considers the holistic user journey and interactions across touchpoints
• Growth forecasts predict strong demand for both specializations in coming years
• Computer science degrees offer the best in web and/or UX design and research
• Portfolios help demonstrate applied skills to transition roles

Defining Web Design

Web design refers to the visual aesthetics and front-end development of websites and web applications. Web designers focus on crafting visually appealing layouts, graphics, imagery, typography, color schemes and other stylistic elements to effectively communicate a brand and enhance user engagement.

Common web design responsibilities include:

• Developing website layouts and structure
• Optimizing page speed and performance
• Selecting visually appealing color palettes
• Determining appropriate typography
• Integrating multimedia content
• Building navigation menus and widgets
• Coding pages using HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Creating original graphics and visual assets
• Ensuring responsiveness on mobile devices

Web designers collaborate heavily with back-end developers, content creators and other stakeholders to implement the optimal online experience. They balance both artistic skills with technical aptitude in coding and analytics.

The median salary for web designers in the United States is approximately $80,000 annually. However, experienced professionals can earn over $90,000 per year.

The Role of UX and UI Design

User experience or user interface design considers the complete process and interactions users have with a digital product or website. The work of UX and UI designers involves conducting user research, testing prototypes and optimizing sites to meet user needs through an empathetic, human-centered lens.

Common UI and UX design responsibilities include:

• Developing user personas and empathy maps
• Creating sitemaps and user flows
• Designing intuitive interaction patterns
• Optimizing conversion funnels
• Performing A/B and usability testing
• Analyzing site metrics and user behavior
• Crafting user surveys and questionnaires
• Communicating with stakeholders and developers

UX design spans a wide variety of digital experiences, including websites, mobile apps, software, IoT devices and emerging technologies. Successful UX requires understanding cognitive psychology, information architecture and visual design principles.

In the United States, the average UX designer salary is $78,000 per year. Professionals with additional experience can earn over $100,000 annually in UX design roles.

Comparing Web Designers vs UX Designers

While web designers and UX designers collaborate toward the shared goal of crafting exceptional digital experiences, their day-to-day responsibilities differ. A few key comparisons include:

• UX focuses on the full user journey while web design concentrates on site aesthetics
• Web designers have more technical and coding skills compared to UX designers
• UX designers invest more time on research, surveys and analytics
• Both build prototypes, but UX prototypes focus on information architecture
• Web design adaptations are sometimes constrained by technical web specs
• UX transcends individual touchpoints to optimize end-to-end experiences

However, smaller teams may expect these professionals to wear multiple hats. Educational backgrounds can range from specialized technical certifications in human-computer interaction to vocational Associate Degrees in multimedia design.

Is web development oversaturated? Well – as a whole – web development, web design, and UX design offer strong growth forecasts. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 34,700 annual job openings in web and digital design through 2032, fueling 16% faster than average growth compared to other occupations.

Becoming a Web or UX Designer – Your Career Path Starts Here

If you’re wondering how to become a web developer – or a well-sought UX or UI designer – Jessup University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is just your ticket. Jessup University presents a comprehensive program blending theoretical foundations with extensive hands-on application. Core courses equip students with technical abilities most sought after by employers. Adding specializations like Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or Data Science allows for targeting of specific interests professionally.

What is computer science? It’s the field of study that focuses on computation, information, and automation using computers and computational systems. It’s the backbone and foundation behind web development, and can lead you many directions within the tech space.

Jessup integrates faith-based principles alongside teaching technical programming and problem-solving abilities relevant in modern software disciplines. Students gain not only coding proficiency, but explore examining technology intersections with Christian ethics and values.

Through a blend of theoretical and hands-on learning, the program’s multidisciplinary approach develops well-rounded graduates ready to enter professional roles or further graduate studies. Students flourish through increased technical sophistication, mentored research opportunities, and building a personal faith foundation enabling their gifts to shine benefiting society upon graduation.

Whether participating in on-campus activities or via online modules, students are prepped to deploy their skills in various professional settings, armed with our Computer Science degree.

Your Journey in Design Starts Today!

Life as either a web or UX/UI designer brings no shortage of variety with a healthy mix of independent coding, intense collaboration, creative problem-solving, and continual learning required daily. Impactful work and strong compensation combine to make web designing an appealing long-term career choice.

While fluency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript and other programming languages requires dedication over time, web developers enjoy scarcity of supply and huge business demand for their specialized skillsets across practically every modern industry. 

If you seek to blend your interests in computing with desire to examine its profound influence on individuals and humanity as a whole, Jessup University presents an exciting choice. Our graduates pursue diverse careers they find meaningful via strengthened character and convictions alongside computing skill sets powering the leading technologies, companies, and innovations shaping our world.

Learn more about Jessup University’s distinguished Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program by contacting an admissions representative today. Turn your aspirations into reality and begin forging your future in web development or related technology fields with spiritual enrichment guiding every step ahead.

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