Web Design vs. Graphic Design: How are They Different?
As a CTO at Codment, I understand where you are coming from as a design novice.
Web design and graphic design may seem like they are the same job. Since they are practically focused on ‘design’ and communicating visually — however, they are still not the same.
As a newbie, it is okay to wonder whether they require the same skillset or contemplate which one should you pursue as a career or which designer you need to hire for your business.
It’s good that you didn’t just stop at ‘wondering.’ You came here for answers, and you’re going to get them. So, let’s get started.
What is Web Design?
Web design is also called the net style.
It’s concerned with the design of websites. A web design shouldn’t just be static eye candy. It should be performant across all devices.
It doesn’t just end here. As a web designer, you plan a way forward for digital products (websites, applications, and web apps) to create memorable user experiences with responsive designs.
Web design lies at the technological end requiring sound knowledge of UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience). See More
To ensure the product is performant, web design requires technical knowledge. You should have an understanding of programming languages Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is also called the graphic style.
It requires a sharp eye for aesthetics and is related to colors, typography, photography, layout, and other design elements.
As a graphic designer, you do not have to know a programming language. You can work perfectly fine without it too. However, your knowledge of design aesthetics, color psychology, and creating hierarchies with visual elements will help you create wonders.
As a graphic designer, your understanding of user behavior and user navigation creates better page layouts. Safe to say, graphic design impacts the front end.
Differences Between Web Design and Graphic Design
With a rough sketch of web design and graphic design, it’s time we take you forward.
Let’s see some of the differences between web design and graphic design in detail.
#1 Medium
Graphic design has been around for years. We see it most in magazines, newspapers, posters, banners, billboards, static social media graphics, and other posts. While web design is for the web and online.
Along with the creative space, a graphic designer isn’t restrained by the website limitations such as page speed, resolution, or new programming languages.
Graphic design asks you to unleash creativity for print media.
In contrast to this, web design requires you to strike up a balance between creativity and functionality. You have to ensure that the product’s functionality and intuitiveness don’t get clouded by creativity.
#2 Interactive vs. Static
The goal of web design is to encourage interaction. The visual elements of a web design are there, so users take an action i.e., interact with the product.
With a web design, you can click on buttons and navigate through different web pages.
Whereas, graphic design isn’t much interactive. As a user, when you touch a graphic design — it does not change.
#3 User Interaction
One difference between web design and graphic design that I touched upon earlier as well is interaction.
With a graphic design, the only means to interact is by viewing. Contrary to this, a great web design is a series of responsive interactions between the user and the design.
With a web design, the people are not just viewers — they are users who meaningfully interact with the product.
#4 Creativity Limitations
The limitations faced by web designers and graphic designers are different.
For instance, a graphic design has certain dimensions which are kept in mind by the graphic designer. Hence, a graphic designer works around these dimensions depending on the medium it is prepared for.
Unlike graphic design, a web designer has to be considerate of all screen sizes. A web designer has to be considerate of the visual elements and graphical designs that are put on the overall web design.
It’s tough figuring out how the picture or graphical element will turn out on an iPhone screen or a desktop screen.
#4 Interaction with Developers
Web designers are not developers. To make the design functional, a web designer has to work closely with the development team.
They interact and convert the web design into functional code.
Web design is in action since the initial phases. It paves the way forward and then works alongside developers to implement everything.
Whereas, a graphic design comes into the picture in terms of the front end. It’s important to ensure that the front end is user-friendly and intuitive as possible.
I hope I succeeded in answering the burning questions in your mind and now you’re aware of the major differences between the two. One last point, a web designer might be in a better position to design you a graphic post, but a graphic designer certainly cannot help you with web design.
For career advice, I’d say both fields are rewarding.
But if you ask me, I’d say opt for web design. The world is quickly going digital. Human-inspired design and experiences are more in demand in the future. You can always pick up on graphic designing skills, but a career in web design will be a wiser choice considering the market today.