Web Design Courses

What Do Web Designers Do?

Web designers combine artistic and design expertise with technical skills to build and design websites for a variety of different clients. Web designers need to be able to create sites that provide an exceptional user experience at the same time as being aesthetically appealing to the intended audience.

This involves a blend of talents and means that each web designer tends to have a fairly unique approach to their work. Web designers need to constantly update their skills to reflect changing trends and fresh techniques as they come on-stream, especially as the industry is so technology-focused.

The profession is quite a new one, which has developed as more and more organisations and businesses are discovering the benefits of having a strong online presence. Web design is constantly changing, so a flexible approach is vital!

What Jobs Does a Web Designer Qualification Lead to?

Web design courses can equip students to work as a:

• Web designer
• Graphic designer
• Illustrator
• Marketing professional
• Web developer

Job Outlook for Web Designers

Web design is a relatively new profession, with demand being directly linked to the rise of the Internet as a marketing arena. More businesses are starting to follow emerging trends in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), digital marketing and user experience, making Web Design a much more profitable sector.

The median salary for web design professionals is AUD $51,256, however, this can increase by a substantial amount with additional experience and education. It also depends on the type of work, with many Web Designers being employed on a freelance basis. Pay also varies from city to city, with major cities such as Sydney, Perth and Melbourne tending to offer higher salaries than Adelaide and Brisbane.

Demand for website design professionals is high and predicted to increase – it is thought that between 25,000 and 50,000 additional web designers will be needed in Australia in the next three years.Interestingly, nearly two-thirds of web designers are male and work situations

Interestingly, nearly two-thirds of web designers are male and work situations tend to vary in this industry. While some are employed full-time, there’s also a high number of part-time workers, with working from home also being a popular means in web design.

Web Design Courses

Certificate

A Certificate in Web Design is the prime place to start your journey to this exciting, creative career.  A Certificate IV in Digital Design, for instance, is a practical course that’s been designed by experts in graphic design and website development. It’s intended to give students the basic skills and knowledge they need to begin a career in the virtual creative industries, including digital marketing or digital design.

Elements include communication design, photo-editing, graphics, visualisation and a range of other creative and technical information and abilities which students need to successfully pursue a design career. The course is intended as a first step into the world of website design. Successful students will leave the course equipped with the skills they need to begin working as web designers, either for a company or on a self-employed or freelance basis.

Diploma

Whether you’ve already done a Certificate in Web Design or looking for a more comprehensive overview of the industry; a Diploma of Web Design is perfect for you. It may also form the basis for diversification into further study, including a Bachelor Degree course incorporating specialities such as visual communication or digital interactive media.

On completion of a Diploma of Web Design, learners should be able to create a dynamic and appropriate user interface that combines effective visualisation with sound technical features that ensure the site is easy to navigate, has a payment system that works well and which is straightforward for users to work with.

What Skills and Responsibilities are Necessary for a Career in Website Design?

To work successfully in this field, candidates usually need to possess skills such as:

• Artistic ability
• Knowing how to appeal to an audience
• Knowledge in technology, software and programming
• Communicate to clients and other departments clearly
• Work under deadlines and budget requirements
• Self-motivated and attentive to detail
• Present concepts and designs effectively

What Are Some of the Daily Activities a Web Designer Will Undertake?

Designers will usually spend much of their day coding or by using appropriate software to create sites. They will also spend time consulting the client’s brief on the type of audience they wish to attract and design the visual aspects of the site in line with this information.

Once designed, the site will need to be tested and initial versions approved by the client. Designers will then have to respond to client feedback, altering the site until it’s exactly what’s required.

Communication forms a large part of the designer’s role, either with the client or other members of the team.

Most of the day will be spent at the computer, either actually creating the site, answering emails or liaising with other members of the team.

For senior designers, the day may also involve mentoring and communicating with more junior members of the staff, as well as providing managerial support.