Data science is a quantitative field emphasizing scientific skills like mathematics and statistics, and training in this field includes developing programming, engineering, data analytics, and visualization skills. However, data science skills apply more broadly than big data and numbers. Many of the skills that data scientists use to make meaning of numbers also apply to building products and websites, creating platforms and applications, and studying audiences and displays. The development of Web3 opens up new opportunities for data engineers and developers to manage blockchain and create new platforms; therefore, data scientists with an eye for aesthetics and an interest in audience analysis should consider a web design and development career.
What is Web Design and Development?
Web design and development integrate creative and scientific skills to develop digital products. Web design uses creative skills to develop web-based environments and experiences, including website design and layout and strategy development and implementation to get your product recognized. Web design also requires user experience (UX) design skills—which encompasses user interaction with a site or platform—and user interface (UI) design, which is concerned with the visual appeal of a site or platform through graphic design.
In contrast, web development prioritizes the behind-the-scenes programming aspects of websites or platforms. Web development training can be front-end development, back-end development, or both, which is called full-stack development. Front-end development involves the programming that creates a website’s appearance and interactivity and requires training in languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Back-end development focuses on programming the parts of a platform the user does not access and requires training in languages like Python and SQL.
In essence, web design involves a website’s aesthetics, experience, and accessibility and web development builds the website within the web design parameters.
The Demand for Data Scientists in Web Design and Development
Innovation and growth in web development are increasing the demand for data scientists skilled in web design and development. Web design and development incorporate programming, engineering, and product development. So, it’s not difficult for data scientists to transition their skills into careers building websites and developing projects using the norms of software engineering, mobile application development, and UX/UI design.
The web is a continual evolution, transforming from the text-based sites of Web 1.0 to the social media platforms of Web 2.0. The current adaptation to Web3 not only introduces an investment in blockchain and cryptocurrencies but also builds virtual environments and new digital platforms. Data scientists with knowledge of cryptocurrencies can apply their financial technology skills to web development. Those more interested in design can apply their skills to constructing virtual worlds. Data scientists with web design and development training can choose from several career paths toward building the Web3 world!
Data Science Careers in Web Design and Development
Python Developer
Python Developer is a natural transition from a career in data science to a web design and development position. Python Developers write, manage, test, and debug back-end programs and code. Some Python Developers are brought in as consultants to create or fix a system. Still, many Developers take on full-time positions within a company, managing the server-side of a site over time. Similar roles are also typical in financial technology (FinTech), as Python Developers are needed for algorithmic trading, mobile application development, and blockchain technology. Data scientists without Python training who are interested in this type of position can pursue Developer positions in any number of popular programming languages.
Full-Stack Developer
Full-Stack Developers combine their knowledge of programming languages with experience in design, working in both front and back-end development and incorporating user experience and interface design with web development. This comprehensive role includes advanced training in engineering, database management, and web development. Full-stack development is a specialization for data scientists who want access to multiple opportunities and industries. Full-stack developers can also specialize in specific languages such as full-stack Python developers. Full-stack developers have meaningful interactions with both clients and computer programmers; a unique position in web design and development.
User Experience (UX) Analyst
Operating in the design side of data science careers in web design and development, user experience (UX) analysts combine their knowledge of UX design with data-driven audience research. UX analysts collect user data and offer recommendations on customizing the design of a platform or product to meet the needs of a specific audience or market. Understanding user data and analyzing web traffic and SEO are critical to the success of businesses and brands. By developing insight from this data analysis, companies anticipate and plan for market needs before they occur. So, the role of UX analyst is essential to multiple fields and industries. Data scientists with analytics technologies and data visualization skills will find many opportunities as user experience analysts or researchers.
Software Engineer
The role of Software Engineer can be applied generally to web design and development. Software engineers use multiple programming languages and techniques to develop web pages and products that users will enjoy. Software engineers are responsible for using languages like Python, SQL, JavaScript, and various data science tools to create software and technology. Trends in web development suggest that in the future software engineers trained in data science, web design, and development will use their skills to construct virtual environments and VR technologies and the products and platforms that will become the foundation of Web3.
Are You Interested in Pursuing a Career in Web Design and Development?
Data scientists interested in pursuing careers in web design and development have multiple options in this growing industry. And Noble Desktop offers data science classes and certificates covering both programming and development. For example, the Python Developer Certificate combines the fundamentals of Python with training in web development tools like Django. In addition, the Software Engineering Certificate trains students in many of the same skills as the Developer certificate, as well as front-end web development and design. Students and professionals with hands-on training and project experience can begin to build a data-focused career in web design and development!