The first website was published online in 1991. Since then, web design has certainly come a long way. It survived Web 1.0 and thrived during Web 2.0. It will play a role in shaping Web 3.0.
Today more than a billion websites are live on the internet. Even in the face of the mobile universe and other emerging technologies, it is here to stay. Let us now look at web design and revisit the concept and topic.
Understanding web design – what is it?
Web design pertains to the planning and design processes where content and elements on a web page are created and placed, crucial for effective online presence facilitated by a web development company. It helps it get shared and accessed online by users across the world.
Web design itself is a unique blend of aesthetic and functional elements combined to make a digital design that becomes a website. Its key elements include colors, fonts, graphics, images, videos, and the user interface.
Nowadays, website creation is a main pillar of creating an online presence. Web design is dynamic as an industry, niche, or universe. It evolves constantly in the same fashion as mobile apps and user interface (UI) design. The evolution helps websites meet the growing needs and demands of customers, website owners, search engines, and visitors alike.
The process of designing websites is a collaborative one. Web designers combine both the tools and knowledge from relevant industries ranging from web design statistics, UI/UX design and development, plus search engine optimization (SEO), and digital marketing.
Briefly comparing web design and web development
Professionals from a web design company in Dubai reveal the first step in the web design journey is understanding real-time differences between web design and web development. Both are closely related and have been used interchangeably at times.
Web design controls the visual design and experiential aspects of websites. Web development company helps in creating and maintaining a website’s structure. It involves unique coding systems making sure websites work properly.
The following are some languages commonly used in web development:
- HyperText Markup Language (HTML): It is a coding language that helps make the front end of websites. It is used for making a web page’s structure and web browsers carry it to the sites people visit to see.
- Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): A programming design language that helps shape the way web pages are displayed. It works together with HTML for designing the style and formatting of web pages, especially the fonts, layout, padding, etc.
Those who are using a content management system (CMS) can learn to make websites and updates accordingly without extensive knowledge of coding. A CMS is computer software that manages a website’s digital content. WordPress and Drupal are two well-known content management systems.
Tools used in web design projects and works
Web designers usually require their own unique set of tools for making and designing the website’s interface and layouts. Some key elements will determine the kinds that will be used, and at which stage they will be required.
The following factors also need to be considered:
- The size of the team.
- The available budget.
- What are the website’s technical needs?
- The website’s purpose.
- What aesthetic do site owners want?
- Adaptive or responsive web design?
Once these questions are answered, then the web design team will understand what clients want to work with (a website builder a team that creates custom websites, or other design tools).
Website builders are tools that do not require coding knowledge and are equipped with a wide array of ready-made templates suitable for all industries. Novice web designers use them as a great foundation-laying tool providing further customization of functionalities and visual elements.
Figma, Photoshop, and Sketch are software that can help web designers make wireframes, custom features, and design elements. But the major difference with these tools is that each lament should be converted into code.
Principles of web design
No web designer should ever forget the principles of web design. Artists and designers practice them as they outline the visual qualities any website’s composition should be aiming for. Applying these principles to work in web design helps designers achieve a harmonious look and feel in their websites.
These rules are like guidelines that can be applied to balance each element of a website’s design. The great Pablo Picasso emphasized learning the rules like a professional. Later, designers can break these rules to produce work like an artist. Once the objectives of web design are understood, designers hence become more comfortable with each element of the site, which can be tweaked further creatively.
They are as under:
- Balance.
- Contrast.
- Rhythm.
- Emphasis.
- Movement.
- White Space.
- Unity.
- Hierarchy.
Functional components of web design
Website functionality refers to the way a website works, from speed and ease of use to the actions users can take on it.
There was a time when AOL had the best websites during the dot com boom. When Web 2.0 arrived, it made each site look different. Now we are nearing Web 3.0 and we’ve been through many iterations of Web 2.0. Facebook’s looks and interface have also evolved and changed with time.
Given the advancements made in the web design industry. It is in everyone’s best interests to make good use of the modern tools available. This helps them ensure the websites work well and are user-friendly. Here are the key functional components of websites that should be developed properly during web design and development:
- User Experience (UX).
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
- Speed.
- Navigation.
- Adaptive Design versus Responsive Design.
Conclusion
Web design is a vast field (like a vast universe). It has certain sub-fields that should be revisited from time to time, to ensure everything is done in the best manner possible. It isn’t a complex field but is rather interesting, and is here to stay.