When most people talk about web design and development, they usually mean creating websites or applications that are tailored to a particular audience or user. Through this focus on the creation of a product or service, web design and development is not always associated with the research and analysis that tends to describe data science. However, there are many ways that learning data science skills and tools can be useful for students and professionals working in web design and development.
Data Science vs. Web Design & Development
Before establishing the many ways that learning data science can improve your career in web design and development, it is important to outline the differences and similarities between the two. Existing both within and outside of the science and technology industry, data science and web design and development are each focused on utilizing digital tools and technologies in order to create a specific product or experience. While Data Scientists focus on collecting and analyzing data to make predictions and do research, Web Designers and Web Developers primarily use data to improve the creation of websites and the experience of consumers.
Both of these industries are similar in that they focus on specific types of data, programs, and algorithms in order to improve or better understand the conditions of a particular industry or technology. While Data Scientists use their knowledge in a more general way by making assessments across industries, Web Designers and Developers tend to focus on using data to improve websites, applications, and other digital media platforms. In this sense, Data Scientists use data for research, whereas Web Designers and Developers use data for the experience. Consequently, both professions are working towards specific goals and objectives that are preestablished by an individual or institution that requires a specific product or set of services.
21st Century Web Design & Development
Web Design and Development is based on creating or updating websites for an individual or institution. In the past, the creation of websites was relegated to individuals that had advanced knowledge of graphic design and computer programming. The realm of web design and development required professional website developers that could create a website for those who needed it. But much of web design in the 21st century has become automated or premade through content management systems and website development platforms that make it easy for anyone to create an online presence with little to no knowledge of programming.
The ubiquity of these website creation and hosting sites also means that there is less originality and diversity in the styles and presentation of personal and professional websites. As more people use templates and pages that have been premade by a system to be used by multiple individuals or institutions, the role of Web Designers and Developers has increased in necessity to create websites that stand out from the crowd. Learning data science skills differentiates professionals in web design and development by giving you technical skills which translate well to potential employers and clients. Data science skills such as programming, as well as collecting and analyzing data on user experience, both greatly contribute to improving your abilities as a Web Developer or Designer by ensuring that you can create customized web pages that encourage greater user engagement.
Data Science & Programming for Web Developers
Programming is not only useful for machine learning and creating predictive models. It is also a fundamental skill within the realm of web design and development. For Front End Developers, there is a focus on working with web browsers to create a website that is aesthetically pleasing. Back End Developers focus on the behind the scenes aspect of coding, such as databases and APIs (application programming interfaces). Combining both of these specialties, Full Stack Developers work on both the appearance and maintenance of a website. In each of these roles, Web Developers can learn specific data science tools and programming languages that contribute to improving skills in coding and the customization of websites.
Whether you have a background in coding websites, full stack, back end, or front end development, there are many ways that continuing to develop skills in data science and programming languages can be useful to someone with a background in web development. On the back end of development, learning data science skills in database design with SQL or a NoSQL database is just as useful as learning programming languages like Java and Ruby. On the front end, programming languages that are suited to website design such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can be used to create websites that are not only visually pleasing but also increase user engagement through interactivity and responsiveness.
Data Science and User Experience for Web Designers
One of the primary ways that data science is changing web design and development is through the collection and analysis of user data. As users engage with websites, Web Designers with data science skills are able to track not only how users engage with a website that they created, but also analyze the web traffic and engagement for competing or comparative sites. By learning more about a user and how they engage with websites and platforms, Web Designers are able to create and update websites that respond to the needs of a target audience of users and keep them engaged with these web pages.
Web Designers can learn how to collect and analyze this user engagement data through knowledge of user experience (UX) design. UX design focuses on collecting information and data on how users interact with an application, platform, product, or service. By learning how to analyze data about the user, Web Designers are able to produce a website that corresponds to these intentions. In addition, UX Design can be used to update a website after it is created in order to reach new audiences or keep up with the expectations of the initial audience.
Data Science and Software Engineering
Combining an understanding of data science, web design, and web development, software engineering is another area of interest that many students and professionals can pursue. Software Engineers use their knowledge of programming, user experience design, and data science in order to create new software and technology, as well as to update older software. Web Designers and Developers that receive advanced training in data science skills can potentially use their knowledge to transition into a role as a Software Engineer or Developer.
Want to learn Data Science Skills for Web Design & Development?
Whether you are interested in programming and development or using data to create more engaging websites for users, there are several ways that learning data science skills can be useful for web design and development. Through Noble Desktop, there are several data science classes that are relevant to web design and development, such as Python for Automation. In addition, the Software Engineering Certificate combines knowledge of web design, development, and programming with Python for individuals that want a curriculum that develops skills in areas relevant to data science, web design, and development.