The term 'web design' describes the process of creating websites, or more generally, designing content to be held online. Any website designer will tell you that the discipline is highly specialised and presents very different challenges compared to more traditional design practices. But what exactly does web design really involve and how is it different from other areas of design?
Generally web design involves the design of a website, including the presentation of information and user interface, but not including the programming of the 'back-end' of a website. As such, website design focuses primarily on the visual presentation of a web page and layout of a web page. Although there are plenty of exceptions to this rule, and many web designers who believe it is necessary to be able to control the entire production of a website, including programming.
The web design process is largely identical to any other design process, as it involves meeting the needs of a client with a design that successfully blends aesthetic form and functionality. A successful website design can be judged in the same way as print design, or even fashion design is: by asking whether the final product accomplishes its purpose (whether that be covering the body or making a sale online) and is attractive to its intended audience.
Web design varies from other disciplines of design, however, as the web is a relatively new medium and is developing with increasing rapidity. Web design constantly has to adapt to demanding new browsers, smaller and smaller viewing devices, and developing marketing opportunities such as social media. Web design is a unique and exciting practice and offers great opportunities in business innovation.
Generally web design involves the design of a website, including the presentation of information and user interface, but not including the programming of the 'back-end' of a website. As such, website design focuses primarily on the visual presentation of a web page and layout of a web page. Although there are plenty of exceptions to this rule, and many web designers who believe it is necessary to be able to control the entire production of a website, including programming.
The web design process is largely identical to any other design process, as it involves meeting the needs of a client with a design that successfully blends aesthetic form and functionality. A successful website design can be judged in the same way as print design, or even fashion design is: by asking whether the final product accomplishes its purpose (whether that be covering the body or making a sale online) and is attractive to its intended audience.
Web design varies from other disciplines of design, however, as the web is a relatively new medium and is developing with increasing rapidity. Web design constantly has to adapt to demanding new browsers, smaller and smaller viewing devices, and developing marketing opportunities such as social media. Web design is a unique and exciting practice and offers great opportunities in business innovation.
