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Design War: Visual Design vs. Functional Design
A guide to the difference between design and functionality focusing on the web.
When designing for the web, two main types of design can be used — visual and functional design. In this article, we’re going to look at the differences between these two styles and see which one is better suited for your website or blog.
What is Visual Design?
Visual design is creating a visual expression for a product, service, or system. It encompasses everything from an interface’s overall look and feels too specific details like typography and layout. Visual designers are usually responsible for both the functional and aesthetic aspects of a product or system, working together with other designers and developers to create something that looks good and works well.
What is Functional Design?
Functional design is a process of designing for the system, not for the user. The goal is to create a system that achieves its objectives without relying on the user to execute specific tasks. Functionality is king, and all other design considerations are secondary. This approach can be contrasted with visual design, which focuses on creating appealing and intuitive user interfaces. While both methods have…