As websites have become more powerful and complex, the field has split into specialised skills covering different areas; it is not usual to find a single person who can handle all aspects of a web design project. Some people may train in graphic design and interaction, whilst others focus on programming, for example. All but the simplest web design projects are likely to require a graphic designer and a programmer/coder to bring a site to fruition.
In many ways, web design is one particular output of interaction design and the routes into the field are therefore mostly the same. These include:
- Graphic designer
- Interactive designer
- User experience consultant
- Information architect
- Code developer
- Video game developer
- Digital artist or animator
- Multimedia developer
For programmers, it is possible to specialise in particular languages, such as Flash, JavaScript, CSS, HTML and so on, although it is probably safer to have a good working knowledge of as wide a range of languages as possible, rather than specialising in just one. Flash, for example, is currently [July 2010] not supported on any Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, which may mean it struggles to thrive as the basis for website construction.
It is also possible for programmers to specialise in coding for the front-end or back-end of a website. Broadly speaking, front-end coders would work closely with the graphic and interaction designers to programme the user interface of a site, while back-end coders work on the infrastructure, database design and data retrieval aspects.
Qualifications
There are plenty of courses available in web design, digital design and multimedia design, and it is possible to teach yourself many aspects of web design languages and software and start building sites from there. Courses range from BTEC and City & Guilds level qualifications, right through to higher national diploma, foundation degree and degree levels. Some degree courses combine different elements, such as graphic and web design, or illustration and digital media, so it is worth looking carefully at all the options to see if there is a course which closely matches your interests and ambitions.
All foundation degree, HND and degree courses are listed, along with entry requirements and course descriptions, on the UCAS website. For more general information on how the different levels and types of qualifications work see the Educational & Learning section of Directgov.
Familiarity with digital design software, such as Photoshop, as well as an ability to work and produce visual ideas away from the computer may appeal to employers. A portfolio of projects and ideas will also be valuable to demonstrate artistic ability, style and vision.
Work, skills and salaries
As a rough guide, expect starting salaries as a junior web designer to start between £15,000 and £20,000 a year, rising to around £30,000 for more experienced designers. Senior designers and specialists can earn £40,000 and more.
Web designers may work in design consultancies or in-house at businesses and organisations. This means the role could involve developing sites for a wide range of industry sectors, or it could involve specialising in a particular sector, such as property development, fmcg retailing or educational sites.
Broadly speaking, the role is likely to include some or all of the following tasks and functions:
- discussing requirements with clients and/or internal management
- scoping early design ideas
- developing and presenting ideas as sketches, digital visuals and wireframe sites
- designing and testing site components
- collaborating with other disciplines, both internally and externally
- conducting client workshops
- conducting user testing
The kinds of skills needed by web and digital designers may include:
- creative flair and design skills
- understanding of relevant hardware and software tools and techniques
- grounding in good graphic design skills, including grids, layout, typography and image selection
- good IT skills
- knowledge of a wide range of interactive principles and underlying mechanics and an ability to document and describe interactive concepts
- an understanding of legislation and guidelines for website accessibility
- knowledge of user experience research and concepts
- good communication skills
Related roles
There are a number of roles which are likely to feed into an web design project, although the core skills are graphic/digital design and programming/coding. Related roles might include:
- Service design
- Project management
- Community management
- Video game development, including video art and animation
- Multimedia development
- Content strategy and copywriting
- Sound design
Further training
Postgraduate courses build and expand on areas of web and digital design, allowing students to investigate and specialise more deeply in particular areas, including animation, sound design and interactive production. To search for postgraduate courses in the UK use UCAS’ dedicated postgraduate site UKPASS.
Ongoing training can be beneficial in many areas of design activity and organisations such as D&AD, the Design Business Association (DBA) and the Chartered Society of Designers provide professional training courses, as do many universities and colleges. For more general information about continuous professional development and skills see the Training for Designers section of this website.
Further links
Interaction Design Association
www.ixda.org
A global network dedicated to the professional practice of interaction design.
UK Web Design Association
www.ukwda.org
Encourages and promotes industry standards in the web design and new media sector.
Skillset
www.skillset.org
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for creative media which comprise TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing.
e-Skills
www.e-skills.com
The Sector Skills Council for business and information technology.
Designing Interactions
www.designinginteractions.com
A book, DVD and website by interaction design pioneer Bill Moggridge.
Interaction-Design.org
www.interaction-design.org
A site for peer-reviewed research on interaction design.
i-Design
www.idesign-london.com
A conference and showcase focused on interactive design and the digital arts.
Dynamo London
www.dynamolondon.org
A social network site celebrating the best in new interactive design and providing a vehicle for discussion and debate amongst the interactive design community.
New Media Knowledge
www.nmk.co.uk
A learning and business information hub for companies and individuals working in UK digital media, delivered by the University of Westminster.
Creative Choices
www.creative-choices.co.uk
An online service providing tools and information for individuals and businesses to develop in the creative industries and cultural sector.
Creative & Cultural Skills
www.ccskills.org.uk
The Sector Skills Council for advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, literature, music, performing and the visual arts.