Web design involves the process of designing and coding websites. Web designers are essential for effective online communication, as they create websites for businesses, organizations, and individuals. Web designers, like to graphic designers, utilize design principles to convey ideas and messages, yet web designers are focused on the digital realm.
Just as graphic designers use space, volume, color, and texture to communicate, web designers harness these elements along with additional considerations specific to the websites. The goal is to create a successful user experience and provide information or capabilities needed on a specific site.
Web Design Roles and Responsibilities
Web designers, like their graphic design counterparts, operate in various capacities. They may work as web developers, user interface (UI) designers, or user experience (UX) designers. In-house web designers work within one organization, while others work in design agencies or work as a freelance web designer.
Working as an in-house designer provides a structured environment, and provides the benefits of branding experience and a consistent workload. Conversely, agency work offers diversity, allowing web designers to collaborate on a variety of projects. Freelancers enjoy the freedom to choose projects, set prices, and manage their own schedules, yet this requires working at more than design, as it is necessary to build and maintain clients and run the business as well.
The evolution of web design
While graphic design has roots in the Industrial Revolution and the printing press, web design emerged with the rise of computers and the internet. The late 20th century witnessed a digitization of graphic design, with the advent of programs like SuperPaint, Quark, Illustrator, and Photoshop. This led to web design and web creation programs such GoLive, Dreamweaver, and now Figma, Sketch and XD as design is separated from development.
Essential web design skills
Web designers need to have a range of skills crucial for creating websites and working with clients. These skills include:
- UX Design: Researching needs, understanding users, organizing content, and determining locations for items on a page are all part of the role of a UX designer.
- Visual Design: A web designer also needs to understand how to communicate effectively, provide a suitable aesthetic, and maintain brand identity.
- Typography: Arranging text to create legible and clear messages and priorities is an important function of a web designer.
- Web coding: Translating design so that it renders on a web page requires an understanding of how to code and maintain websites. This includes HTML and CSS, and may also include learning JavaScript.
- Website management platforms: Sometimes called content management systems or CMS, most web designers will need to work within a CMS such as WordPress as they are used to host more than one out of every three websites.
Learning and developing these skills is important for web designers.
Career Opportunities in Web Design
Web design skills or a certificate in web design opens opportunities in many well-paying careers, including:
- Web Designer
- UX Designer
- UI Designer
- Art Director
Learning Web Design
There are many ways to learn web design, including certificate programs, degrees, and individual tutorials, books, and online or in-person classes. The American Graphics Institute provides a range of courses covering design principles, latest technologies, and design principles that are available for beginners as well as experienced professionals.
Job Outlook and Salaries
As of May 2020, the median annual wage for web designers was $53,380, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. While employment projections may fluctuate depending on the sector, the demand for skilled web designers remains strong and is expected to grow at above average rates for the next decade. If you have creativity, adaptability, and a keen eye for design trends and are interested in technology, a career in web design can provide a fulfilling job.