The differences between web design and website development are quite significant, and each plays a distinct role in the process of creating a website. Here are the main differences between these two concepts:

Web Design

Focus: Visual design and user experience.
Tools: Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma).

Tasks:
Creating page layouts.
Defining color palettes and typography.
Designing images, graphics, and icons.
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
Goal: Provide a user-friendly, aesthetic, and accessible interface.
Outcome: The look and feel of the website.

Website Development

Focus: Functionality and performance.
Tools: Programming languages (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, PHP) and development environments (IDEs).

Tasks:
Coding and implementing the web design.
Database management.
Backend and frontend development.
Integration and testing of web applications.
Goal: Ensure the website's functionality and responsiveness to user requirements.
Outcome: The website’s operability and performance.

While Web Design focuses on the aesthetics and user interface aspects of a website, Website Development deals with coding and technical processes to make the design functional.

Designers work to create a visually appealing and user-friendly site, whereas developers ensure that the design is technically feasible and operational.
These two fields work together to create a fully functional website that effectively serves the user.