Web designer – job description

Web design is a relatively new industry, having been created with the advent of the internet, and is gaining popularity in particular over the last ten years, as digital media has become a major part of many people’s lives. Most people rely on the web for their communications, information, shopping, social life and more. The demand for web designers has been growing rapidly and the industry is currently considered a good one with relation to job prospects and future growth.

The term web developer is sometimes used interchangeably with web designer, but this can be confusing. Web developing is a more specialist role, focusing on the back-end development of a website and will incorporate, among other things, the creation of highly complex search functions.

The recent growth in touchscreen phones and tablet devices has dictated a new way of designing websites, with the web designer needing to ensure that web pages are responsive no matter what type of device a viewer is using. Therefore the need to test websites at different stages of design, on a variety of different devices, has become an important aspect of the job.

Apart from having technical skills, they should have an eye for clean and artful design, possess superior user interface design skills and be able to translate high-level requirements into interaction flows and artifacts, and transform them into beautiful, intuitive, and functional designs.?

Responsibilities

Execute all visual design stages from concept to final hand-off to engineering

Conceptualize original ideas that bring simplicity and user friendliness to complex design roadblocks

Create wireframes, storyboards, user flows, process flows and site maps to effectively communicate interaction and design ideas

Present and defend designs and key milestone deliverables to peers and executive level stakeholders

Establish and promote design guidelines, best practices and standards

Web Designer Requirements

According to O*Net Online in 2010, 43% of web developers held a bachelor’s degree, 27% had some college but no degree and 20% had an associate’s degree (www.onetonline.org). Web designers need education in computer technology and website design to be competitive in the job market.

An associate’s degree program related to web design, such as an Associate of Applied Science in Web Graphic Design, provides a student with a foundation in the design and technical aspects of creating a website. Students learn web design skills and build professional portfolios that highlight their skills and abilities. Common topics include:

Fundamentals of design imaging

Basic web design

Animation

Multimedia design

Content management

Editing for video and audio

Multimedia programming and technology

A bachelor’s degree program in multimedia or web design allows students to learn advanced skills needed for professional web design. Students develop artistic and creative abilities in addition to technical skills. Degree programs, such as a Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Interactive Media, cover:

Databases

Webpage scripting

Programming

Digital imaging

Multimedia designWeb development

What to expect

Web designers are essentially office based. Travel to client sites may be required especially when working on a large and complex project, and they may be based there for the duration of the project. Self-employed and freelance web designers will often work from home but may work in their client’s offices from time to time.

The top location for web design jobs is London, with the south east of England also providing a good number of jobs. Other hot spots include Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and the M4 corridor around Slough and Reading.

This profession is currently male-dominated, but steps are being taken to redress the balance. For information and jobs for women who want to work in technology, go to Women in Technology.

Depending upon the employer, the dress code can be informal, for example jeans and a t-shirt. When meeting clients it may be necessary to wear more business-like attire.

Source: WebDesign Indinapolis