How to Bridge the Gap Between Web Developers & Designers
When it comes to building a website, ‘web designers’ are in-charge of the visual elements, which include the layout, typography and coloring of a web page. On the other hand, ‘web developers’ are responsible for the non-design elements such as, markup and code. A situation – where developers grumble that a design has been ‘made for print and not the internet’, and designers complain that a developer has botched their typography – is not something new. If your web team has such discords among its members, frictions are bound to occur.
So, what are the best ways to bridge this gap? This may sound cliché, but communication is really the key to a successful teamwork. As one of the leading IT outsourcing companies in India, we’d like to outline how the designers and developers should work together to ensure a more cohesive web project.
Start Communication Early
It’s always best to start communication early between both design and development teams into a web project. Let the teams work together on how they can approach a specific project. Then let this communication flow right throughout the build too. For instance, when working on wireframes, designers can involve developers in determining how to work seamlessly with different screen sizes, and devices. Share ideas with each other at all stages of the project.
Pair Designers and Developers
When the opportunity to work together doesn’t come itself, you should encourage it by pairing designers and developers. They can work through various design issues, discuss the problems, decide on solutions and fix them together. This allows designers to get an insight to the code and developers to get an exposure to design-related issues.
Collaboration offers many benefits:
- An additional set of eyes to see everything over and find mistakes
- A complete experience, because designers can know what the developers are capable of crafting
- A cohesive finished product, where all the elements look like they belong and interactions meet the aesthetic
- Blend ideas and fosters focus on the project’s mission and goals
Foster respect and trust
Both design and development teams require a lot of skill and neither job is more easy or simple. Mutual respect between designers and developers will make working together and sharing information much more pleasant.
The Final Word
No project is without its setbacks, and there will be many collapses in the designer-developer relationships. There can be ill feelings, poor communication and misunderstandings, but without each other they wouldn’t be able to create the aesthetically pleasing, functional pieces! So before you start your next web project, find your developer-designer and let them know how great they really are.
Some More Tips for the Road
- Designers should use a wireframe and then make sure to consult with the developers before moving ahead.
- Designers must create neat and organized PSD files so that the developers do not have to clean up their work before they begin.
Click Mediasoft Solutions is an IT outsourcing company in India with a passionate team of website designers and developers helping clients build a solid online presence. Think we make a good match? Feel free to give us a call. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
