Numerous design tool add-ons are available to smooth out the rough road of web designer and web developer collaboration. The typical web design process, on the other hand, is plagued with inefficiencies and inhibits creativity. The future of web design is bright. New, no-code, visual design tools are expected to liberate designers from the constraints and drudgery of traditional web development.
As if manna from heaven, recently, a slew of no-code web development platforms have descended upon the design world. Designers eager to “break the code barrier” can now see how close we are to achieving a utopian codeless future. If the stars align, the need to hand off designs to front-end developers with comprehensive specifications will disappear. Designers can easily arrange things on an artboard freely and click “publish” with a sense of relief.
Web designers had used code design tools before; however, because no back-end developers existed until recently, they had to rely on front-end engineers for everything. A change in font size on a website might take days. Designers would hand over the designs, sit back, cross their fingers, and hope that everything comes back pixel-perfect for a small marketing website or a specific landing page. It was like watching paint dry in progress.
“No code” website builders are now ubiquitous, sensing an opportunity. Some are experimental, and others are robust and effective. However, many of them still underachieve in terms of giving complete creative freedom. Most are wooden, template-driven platforms aimed at small to medium-sized enterprises.
Professional designers have, for many years, wanted the freedom to design and build responsive websites with complete creative control and without touching code. That day may be coming soon, with several serious competitors emerging in the no-code supremacy battle: Editor X, Bubble, Ceros, and Webflow.
A successful website builder iteration is always pipped to put web developers out of business.
The no-code movement is still in its early stages. Still, it has gained considerable traction among entrepreneurs who want to create their ideas in reality without having technical expertise. Webflow is one of many platforms that allows you to create custom websites using a what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) visual editor.
Is Webflow set to displace web developers? Although 0.4% of all websites use Webflow, it does not replace the need for professional web designers. The specialisation, expertise, and degree of personalisation that skilled web developers provide will never be duplicated by a platform like Webflow.
However, for certain kinds of web developers and software engineers, Webflow and similar technologies may be difficult. There are only so many websites to create, and Webflow allows designers and novices to build functional and attractive websites.
Why Webflow Won’t Replace Web Developers
There are several reasons why Web flow-like platforms will never entirely replace web developers. Webflow, like Wix or Weebly, is geared toward more experienced users and web designers. It, however, has a growing user base like many website builders.
1. Time
People hire a web developer because they don’t have the time to complete the job themselves.
Business owners are too busy running their company daily to focus and begin developing a website.
Because Webflow’s learning curve is steep, potential consumers will have to invest a significant amount of time merely becoming familiar with the platform. Then develop a website that delivers an excellent user experience and is pleasing to the eye.
Most clients are wary of wasting time learning the ins and outs of a platform they will never utilise again once their site is completed.
2. Expertise
There’s more to a website than a drag-and-drop interface where you can arrange components on a web page.
You’ll need people who know what they’re doing. Only experienced developers can provide you with these answers, whether determining the user flow of a website or the most excellent features to optimise revenue.
When you hire a web developer or software engineer, you get their prior expertise as part of the deal. They may assist you in finding the best solution for your company, whereas platforms like Webflow are “take it or leave it.”
They have a restricted number of alternatives that may or may not be appropriate for your company. If you’re looking to launch a big project, there’s no avoiding the fact that you’ll need some help. Using a program like Webflow leaves you on your own as someone trying to develop a website, and the difficulties of significant projects are in the details.
3. Complexity & Customisation
People constantly desire more. Webflow will never be able to fulfil every unique client’s need since it isn’t a web developer.
Developers can customise their solutions to your demands. Web developers are willing to do anything, from contacting a customised API to developing a unique feature.
Clients who need a feature that isn’t available will have to wait for Webflow to create it.
Small companies don’t need anything fancy, which is why we’ve seen page builders grow so popular. Webflow will never be a substitute for the customisations a professional software developer provides.
Websites are just one piece of the puzzle. The browser is used to develop Web apps, e-commerce stores, workflow tools, and other similar technologies. Serious development is complex; Webflow isn’t equipped to handle projects of that complexity.
We will always need web developers if a project has unique or complex requirements.
The scope of Webflow and other similar technologies is narrow. They’re ideal for static sites and include some dynamic widgets. However, they won’t allow you to perform sophisticated duties.
4. Long-Term Flexibility
What may appear ideal for your company now might be a significant liability in a few years. The ability of exceptional firms to alter and adapt distinguishes them from ordinary businesses.
As a company expands, the capacity to scale is increasingly important. You want to be able to make adjustments without being trapped in place. Among the services offered by Webflow are a content management system, hosting, and site builders. Users may face significant difficulties if they ever want to leave the platform.
The drawback with Webflow is that it’s tough to switch from this development method. It’s also tough to adapt your material to another CMS.
Webflow may not be able to replace web developers shortly because of its lack of flexibility. They can build you a custom solution or utilise open-source platforms like WordPress or Drupal. Compared with Wix, Webflow, and Weebly, they are considerably more flexible and future-proofed.
5. Lack of control
Control over one’s material may be the difference between success and failure for companies. You want to be in command of everything you put out today or ten years from now.
Webflow’s terms of service state, “but we obtain a license to anything you upload to the Service,” making it clear that they have no control over your designs. That should be a central alarm for anybody wanting to retain creative control of their work.
They also claim, “We have no obligation to keep, maintain, or provide you a copy of your User Content.” So if Webflow has a wrong opinion of you, your website may be deleted.
With a WordPress-based site, you have little to no control over any part of the website. You can always modify your hosting provider, add any plugins you choose and do anything else you want with the site.
Hiring a web designer to design your site or even a page builder on an open-source platform such as WordPress gives you much more control.
7. Lack of quality
With Webflow, you can create visually appealing and practical websites. With platforms like Webflow, designers may provide an excellent service to their clients.
The platform has enough features to appeal to a wide range of small businesses that need simple websites.
However, these platforms appeal to budget-conscious individuals. Page builders are not used by high-end clients looking for top-tier results.
In projects where high-quality, customisable goods are the goal, Webflow will never be able to replace web developers. It simply isn’t strong enough and limiting.
Webflow, for example, is a web-based design tool. It’s less expensive than hiring a professional developer and generates lower-quality outcomes.
8. Creating the future
Wix and Weebly will not be the manufacturers of tomorrow’s products. Software engineers will create the items that everyone will use in ten years.
Webflow will not be responsible for developing the technologies of the future. Web developers will be needed to create these technologies rather than Webflow. Developers will always need to understand what’s happening behind the scenes and find ways to improve things.
There will always be a need for developers. Over the last decade, the job of a front-end developer has evolved and diversified considerably. Software engineers will become even more essential as the world becomes increasingly digital.
Webflow, for example, has made it easier for anybody to automate repetitive unfulfilling web development work. It allowed software engineers to have fun by focusing on more difficult tasks.
Specialization
The contemporary Webflow platform does a wonderful job with the fundamentals of website development. It’s simpler than ever for someone without technical knowledge to create their own website.
This may look negative for computer scientists, but it can have a bright side. It allows for specialisation.
Front-end developers are now under more significant obligations. The position has altered dramatically, from API calls to single-page apps. Part of it is due to the advancements on the front end.
Web designers and front-end developers may now work on micro-sites for clients who employ a SaaS revenue generation model. Alternatively, create plugins for popular platforms like WordPress or Shopify that can be lucrative due to their popularity.
How will Webflow affect designers?
What impact will it have on designers who want to use Webflow? What impact will it have on them as a result of these changes?
Designers can now use platforms like Webflow to create websites. Without the need for a developer, it allows them to bring their concepts to reality.
Even if you’re a designer and don’t know what Wefblow is, I’d strongly advise you to sign up and try it.
We may see more and more designers moving into the pseudo-development realm to produce websites directly for their clients rather than outsourcing them, which is a bad idea.
It’s challenging to forecast how many designers will flock to Webflow once it launches.
UX and UI Design is a broad and all-encompassing subject. Many individuals in that industry wish to stay within the confines of the discipline.
For a designer who wishes to start their own business, Webflow is simply not necessary. Personal websites have more advanced alternatives available that are simpler to use.
Overall, Webflow is unlikely to impact a designer’s day-to-day operations significantly. It may be a game-changer for the select few who wish to pursue an agency path.
You might be wondering if you still need web developers after using Webflow. The answer is: it depends. If you’re building a simple website, you probably don’t need a web developer. However, if you’re building a more complex website or application, you might need a web developer to help with some of the more technical aspects of your project. So, it really just depends on your individual needs. Thanks for reading!
Interested in creating a website with webflow, let us know.
