Become a web designer
Employment of web designers is projected to grow by 20% by 2022
Web design involves a range of disciplines in the production and maintenance of websites.
A web designer creates a good front end user experience, which includes clear navigational features, and any relevant tools required.
A team of product managers, content managers, and user experience designers surround a web designer and the development team who they work closely with.
It’s important for a web designer to maintain the technical aspects of their role, but also to assume creativity and managerial control when necessary.
Web design skillsets include:
- Authoring
- User experience
- Interface design
- Web graphics
- SEO
- Standardised coding
Did you know that 40% of people abandon a web page if it takes more than three seconds to load?
As well as being creative, a web designer must be able to work well under pressure in order to meet such restrictions and optimise a site through design.
Communication and patience are also crucial personality traits of a web designer because they often work directly with clients and colleagues who are not computer savvy, so they need to possess the ability to explain technical concepts in a de jargoned format.
No experience is necessary to undertake a web design course, but a professional qualification is recommended to make you stand out from the crowd.
The use of mobile and tablet computing is growing; the ability to ensure content works and looks good on these new platforms is an in demand skillset - promising a healthy and rewarding career.
Most web designers already have a keen interest in computers and programming.
Career opportunities exist in various industries:
- Media outlets
- Graphic design
- Web design
- Digital advertising
- Online gaming businesses
- Mobile apps
- In house marketing/design
There are many doors open to a web designer – you could end up working for a large company, a smaller specialist consultancy, or even go freelance, so the salary will vary based on who you’re working for, the experience you have under your belt and how certified you are.