As with most jobs that require professionals to work in a team setting, web designers need to have top-notch communication abilities and a can-do attitude. Aside from that, though, there are specific technical skills needed for web designers to stand out to employers and position them for success on the job. From HTML to CSS to UX, you must possess these web designer skills to be successful in this field.
“jQuery is the 8th fastest growing job keyword.”
1. jQuery and JavaScript
According to SkillCrush, jQuery is the eighth fastest-growing job keyword. It’s a language that’s built on top of JavaScript, which is becoming the top computer programming language for mobile. Mastering both can give you an advantage above typical web designer qualifications, with mobile being more important than ever. Plus, JavaScript is considered the Latin of the web design languages, as it acts as the foundation for many of the latest codes that are being developed – making it easier for you to pick up on the various new languages that continue to appear.
2. HTML and CSS
HTML and CSS are the building blocks of the web. To manipulate the way information renders on a screen and change the formatting of the page, you’ll need to know both of these languages. There are certain programs that help automate each process to make it more user-friendly, but this is one of the skills needed for web designer in order to be successful. This may not be something that is utilized every day, but there’s no way around learning both. there’s no way around learning both if you wInvest in training and follow credible blogs for helpful guidance on learning the basics and regularly keeping up with advancements in both areas.
3. UX and UI
User experience and user interface are terms that refer to a website’s ease of – you guessed it – use. If a site is designed without either of these in mind, it often results in fewer page views and conversions as well as higher bounce rates, which are all things that no marketer wants to hear. According to Experience Dynamics, 61 percent of users who didn’t immediately find what they were looking for on a mobile site would close out of it and try a different site.
This may not be that surprising, considering that we live in an age where users can literally ask their smartphones a question by using Siri and similar technologies to find an answer in seconds. The way a page is structured and how it displays content and visuals are crucial to optimal usability. The world of UX and UI is constantly changing, so stay up to date with the newest enhancements and best practices by following notable blogs, like Smashing Magazine and Hack Design, and regularly attending networking events for like-minded professionals. Doing so will help you learn new web designer skills while also refreshing yourself on the basics.
Basic art knowledge is an important skill for web designers.4. Design
It may seem obvious, but having a great sense of design is one of the most crucial web designer skills. Most likely, you wouldn’t have been interested in this field if you didn’t have an innate sense of what works aesthetically. However, there are ways of enhancing your skill and keeping it in line with the constantly evolving web design best practices. Follow interesting blogs and attend creative workshops for inspiration. It’s common for designers to get stuck in a rut if they don’t continuously push themselves and stay up to date with all of the latest innovations.
Many companies also use the Adobe suite for their creative needs. This requires web designers to be able to work in programs like InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. While this isn’t always noted in the web designer qualifications, you should already be familiar with these resources. For those that are familiar, you may not know some of the enhancements and features that are available in some of the new versions. Stay up to date with all of the changes, and consider certification in one or more of these programs.
It’s also never a bad idea to refresh yourself on the basics of art. InformIT explained that the foundation of great design lies with grid design, typography and color theory. Don’t lose sight of these key principles simply because you’re too focused on implementing the newest features and technologies.
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