What's The Difference Between Designing A Website and Creating An App?
The digital world was once an old media world in which we had websites and brochures. Both are means of communicating a company’s message to its consumers. But, in the internet age, things have become much more complex. A website is no longer enough for a brand; it has to be an app as well – or so you might think. However, things aren’t that simple. Designing a website vs designing an app is more complicated than it looks on the surface. The two are not simply different methods of communication but require different skills and processes to create successfully. Here we explore the difference between designing a website and creating an app and how they can work together to help your business grow.
So what’s the difference between designing a website and an app?
A website is more than just a pretty design; it’s a central hub for a brand’s digital presence. Websites are how brands reach customers, share their story, drive sales, collect leads, and even educate consumers. It is a platform that can be used in many different ways to meet a company’s digital marketing needs. A website can also be used to create an app-like user experience. Many brands have websites that are as interactive as apps, with features like user accounts, push notifications, and eCommerce shopping carts. While there are websites designed only for informational purposes, most websites have to balance form and function to keep their users engaged. An app on the other hand is a piece of software specifically designed for a certain type of user. Apps are usually downloaded from an app store like Apple or Google Play, and are designed for specific tasks like booking hotels, managing finances, or finding restaurants nearby. An app’s design can lend itself to a more interactive experience but isn’t focused on the same types of things that a website is. Because it has a more narrow purpose, an app will often times also have fewer features than a website which makes it easier to design.
So why might you need both?
Designing a website and developing an app are two different processes with different skill sets. When you’re creating a website, you’re not just designing the site’s look but also creating the digital platforms that power the experience. What this means is that a website designer must be skilled in other digital aspects like programming, eCommerce, and even marketing. An app, on the other hand, is designed for a single task (like booking a hotel or booking a ride) and doesn’t have to be as robust. It doesn’t require the same skill set, and therefore designers can focus on making an experience tailored towards a single goal. In this instance, having different teams is more beneficial than having one team working on both.
Creating a website
A website is a central hub and storefront for a company’s digital presence. It serves as a home base and communication platform for visitors, customers, and even employees. A successful website is easy to navigate, has engaging content, and promotes the company’s products and services. A company can have a website that is as interactive as an app. Many websites have features such as user accounts, push notifications, and eCommerce shopping carts. This is where a website designer’s skills come into play. Website design should focus on function, usability, and navigation. Designers need to understand branding and how the design will work with a brand’s image and message. They also need to have an understanding of the company’s customers and target audience.
Building an app
Apps are pieces of software focused on a single task. They are downloaded from app stores and can be used on multiple devices. This type of software has become commonplace on smartphones, but any device that can download apps can run apps too. App designers must understand the user experience, flow, and functionality of their app. They must also consider ease of use, what the app’s interface looks like, and how it is structured. App designers must also be skilled in programming to create the app, which is where the two differ.
Summing up
While websites and apps can deliver the same messages and products, the design process and requirements to create digital experiences are very different. A designer’s skill set can be more focused if their work is limited to one or the other. Designing a website and creating an app can be done by the same team, but it can also be done by two different teams that work together to create a seamless experience for customers. The difference between designing a website and creating an app is that a website can be used as an app but an app can’t be used as a website.
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