Web Designers vs. Programmers

I wrote this rant to a colleague, who I felt made some unfair remarks about web design. He is a kick-ass computer programmer; I am a web designer. We’ve reached a mutual respect of each other’s roles, but at the time I felt he was dismissing HTML/CSS design as child’s play. Of course, I agree with him that the basic syntax of markup code is simple. But experience has taught me that writing good code is a fascinating challenge. I sent him the following email, which inspired a fruitful discussion.

I was peeved by your comments on CSS.

The syntax of CSS is easy, even for a non-programmer. Anyone can learn it in a matter of hours.

But the syntax of most languages is simple—whether we’re talking French, Python or Pig Latin. SYNTAX, in general, is easy. The difficult part is usage—knowing how to put things together. How to write expressions that are elegant and efficient. For example, a Perl programmer may write 500 lines of code to accomplish a task; a Perl master might write the the same program with only 50 lines. In the same way, everyone can speak—but a poet can arrange words to create something beautiful. There is a huge difference between someone who can use a particular tool, and someone who makes the tool work for them.

I understand the differences between programming and markup. In fact, there is little comparison between the two—except for one fundamental similarity: they both are challenging in their own way. Writing great code takes skill and experience.

CSS has a learning curve similar to any other skill. Sure, anybody can change the font color of their paragraphs. But how many people can create complex page layouts using CSS instead of tables? How many understand the complexities of browser support for CSS declarations? How many can design truly efficient and elegant stylesheets that are modular and re-usable? How many are aware of usability and accessibility issues in relation to CSS design? How many can design a beautiful web page in under 5k? How many can use stylesheets to format data outside the browser? These are questions that only the most talented, skilled and visionary web designers can answer with confidence.

I know you didn’t mean to offend me, but your comments struck a nerve. I’ve heard many arrogant comments from programmers directed at web designers. Many programmers dismiss web design as something EASY, or something that requires no skill. Others think web designers are people that just aren’t smart enough to be a programmer. For many of us, we CHOOSE to be designers. We could be programmers if we wanted, but we enjoy the unique challenges of design and markup.

I’ve chosen web design as a career. For me, the visual aspects of design are only a small part. Like a programmer, the things that interest me most are efficiency, elegance, modularity, re-usability, forward and backward compatibility, and good coding practices. None of this has anything to do with visual design—the design I am speaking of is the DESIGN OF CODE. I love writing great code. A piece of well-written code is a thing of beauty to me. And that is where WE ARE SIMILAR, regardless of which technology we deal with.