Web Design

Web designers plan, create and code web pages, using both non-technical and technical skills to produce websites that fit the customer's requirements.

They are involved in the technical and graphical aspects of pages, producing not just the look of the website, but determining how it works as well. Web designers might also be responsible for the maintenance of an existing site.

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.

Responsibilities

Web designer duties can vary depending upon the type of organisation worked for and the technical level of the website, but can include:

• meeting clients to identify their needs and liaising regularly with them;
• drawing up detailed website specifications;
• designing sample page layouts including text size and colours;
• designing graphics, animations and manipulating digital photographs;
• registering web domain names and organising the hosting of the website;
• presenting initial design ideas to clients;
• coding using a variety of software;
• working with different content management systems;
• search engine optimisation;
• meeting relevant legal requirements such as accessibility standards, freedom of information and privacy;
• designing the website's visual imagery and ensuring it's in line with company branding policy or the requirements of the client;
• proofreading content and making changes where necessary;
• editing content, debugging code and re-designing web pages;
• working with other web specialists including web developers and graphic designers;
• liaising with outside agencies;
• testing the website to ensure it is working;
• handing the completed website over to the client;
• post-sales technical support;
• training client's staff;
• researching current design trends;
• continual professional development to keep up to date with new software developments.