Getting Started With Web Design
Web design encompasses a variety of disciplines and skills in the creation and maintenance of websites for clients. These disciplines encompass web graphic design; web user interface design; creative web architecture and creative web development; content management; technical assistance; and search engine optimisation. A website is created by using web design software to build an interactive website that delivers its intended message. Web design covers all of these areas and more, and has emerged as one of the most popular forms of communication on the Internet.
Most web designers are technically proficient computer savvy professionals with a strong understanding of web design concepts such as web navigation, graphic design and usability. Although most web designers will be aware of HTML (hypertext markup language), there are also other programming languages which can be utilised such as Adobe Flash, JavaScript and Java. A web designer can either work alone or as part of a team, working on a project within a specific time frame. In the 21st century, it is not uncommon for freelance web designers to operate independently, contracting themselves out to various clients and organisations, or to run their own company.
To begin your career in web design, it is advisable to have some working knowledge of the Internet and web development. Some of the basic programs you may wish to learn include HTML, JavaScript, CSS and Java. The more you know about these tools the better equipped you will be when it comes to getting started with web design. If you do not already know HTML, you should consider taking an introductory course in this technology. Once you understand basic HTML, you can then start learning how to use web design tools and how to create websites from templates.
Before you can develop into a full-fledged web designer, it is essential that you understand the basics of user research and usability. User research plays an important role in any project undertaken by a designer. User research is the process of understanding what users need, in order to make their experience of a website better. For example, if a website relates to health and medicine, the website owner will need to understand the needs of the average user, to anticipate possible problems and to create a site that provides an easy to navigate interface for these particular users.
In addition to having good user research skills, designers also need to have good graphic design skills. Web designers rely on images to help construct websites and help make them appealing and visually appealing. Web designers need to be proficient in using graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop. The latest versions of Adobe Photoshop have been designed to be intuitive and user friendly. Another key skill set for web design projects is website creation skill sets. There are a number of different website creation software programs that web designers use to construct websites.
A strong understanding of business law and Internet marketing is another skill set required by web designers. These skills can be learned during an introductory course or through a combination of online courses and on the job training. Getting started with web design requires designers to be equipped with the knowledge and skill sets required to start and grow their business.
