The Connection between Front-end Development and Design
Up until now, there has been a distinct difference between front-end developers and designers, both with very clearly defined roles that rarely merged. However, if recent trends and predictions are anything to go by, this is set to change completely over the next few years, with front-end development and design merging into one sole discipline. Here’s what to expect from this change and what it means for front-end developers and designers within the working world.
Let’s Break it Down
Product design and front-end development are soon to cease to exist as separate functions within the industry. Businesses will no longer have a front-end developer and a designer. Instead, they will hire Creative Technologists – digital specialists who are skilled and experienced in both areas and are able to provide a full-service solution according to their needs.
The good news, however, is that this convergence can also be seen in the new tools and programs currently being created, all of which are sure to make life easier for professionals. In terms of the future, we can expect to see programs that get rid of the need for front-end development altogether, providing a front-end code base for your chosen framework. Systems such as Squarespace, Atomic, Origami and Webflow have all begun to show signs of progress in this regard and are set to lead the way as these technologies continue to progress.
What Will the Results of This Convergence Be?
As programs, tools and skillsets begin this process of convergence, we can expect three things to happen in terms of product design. Firstly, as mentioned, the structuring of teams will change and more than likely get smaller as standalone front-end developers and designs will be replaced by Creative Technologists who can do it all. Secondly, real time iteration will become possible and more focus will be placed on continuous design improvement in terms of prototyping and testing. And, thirdly, the bottom line of most of these businesses will improve thanks to a diverse new world of opportunities to remain at the forefront of their industry, releasing new contributions of a higher quality and much faster than ever before.
Therefore, instead of stressing about this upcoming change in the industry, front-end developers and designers should see it as a chance to diversify their skill sets and further their careers, albeit in a new, yet exciting direction.
Would you like to learn more about the front-end development and design convergence? Perhaps you are interested in getting in touch with a company specialising in agile software development, testing, consulting and training? If so, it is time to get in touch with the team at DVT!