Collaboration Between Web Design and Development

This article is an interesting read about the importance of collaboration between designers and developers to create both a functional and engaging website. The author, Andy Budd, suggests that often times, website developers lose the intended experience of the website by focusing too much on the ease of the code and the inclusion of newer practices in web development. The developer who does the last minute touches on a website is often the one that control the final experience.

Andy proposes that designers should be allowed to “own the experience” just as developers “own the code.” He claims that allowing designers input into any possible changes that may affect the experience is crucial to allowing for this collaboration. He also recognizes that sometimes there are sacrifices in design along the way that must be made in order for the accessibility to be fully realized.

While we agree with Andy’s proposal, ultimately the experience and functionality of the website are subject to the wishes of the consumer and both the designer and the developer have to problem solve how to best meet their needs.

Budd, Andy. “Developers Own the Code, So Shouldn’t Designers Own the Experience?” Smashing Magazine, 9 August, 2016. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2016/08/developers-own-code-should-designers-own-experience/ Accessed 30 August, 2016.