Website Designer

Also known as:

Designer, Web
Internet Website Designer

Introduction

Website designers use a combination of design and IT skills to produce websites for the Internet. They need to achieve a balance between interesting, eye-catching design and ease of use.

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Work Activities

Website designers use a combination of design and computer skills to produce websites for the Internet, normally working from instructions or a brief from a client.

To create a website, designers have to think carefully about the end product (the user interface). They need to achieve a balance between attractive design and delivering clear information which is easy to use and understand.

Many designers make their websites as interactive as possible. This means that there is a two-way flow of information between the user and the website. The computer responds to the user's requests.

Website designers must make sure that the website is easy to navigate and users can find the sections they need. They must make their websites accessible for a wide range of users including those with limited vision.

Website designers can use a number of different ways to communicate information, so they often use multimedia. Their websites may have text, speech, graphics, animation, or still or video pictures. Designers decide on colours to use and need to be aware of any style or branding the organisation uses.

Website designers sometimes use HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language) to create text. They also use other programming languages, such as Java, to allow websites to be interactive. They may use specialist Web design tools.

Some website designers also manage the sites they have created. They must then make sure that the information on the site is up-to-date, secure and relevant. To do this, they work closely with colleagues, including public relations staff and software engineers.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be a website designer, you must have a strong interest in IT and the Internet. You must also have good design skills and be creative and enthusiastic. You should be familiar with computer languages like HTML and Java, or be willing to learn and develop your knowledge of them.

You will need to keep up to date with developments to understand the future potential of the Internet and how to use multimedia technologies in your work.

Good teamwork skills are very important. You may be working closely with public relations staff, marketing departments or other IT specialists.

Good organisational skills will help you plan your work and meet deadlines. You must be able to work well under pressure.

Designers who work on a freelance basis need the skills to run their own business.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Website designers earn in the range of £16,000 - £19,000 a year, rising to £23,000 - £27,000. Higher earners make around £30,000 a year.

Website designers usually work 35-37 hours Monday to Friday, although you might sometimes need to work late to meet deadlines.

There are jobs with employers in every area of industry and commerce, including the retail and broadcasting industry, charity organisations, and in the public sector, in local authorities and central government.

There are also opportunities with advertising agencies, and specialist website design agencies. Some designers work independently on a freelance basis.

Job opportunities are increasing as more organisations realise the marketing potential of the Internet.

Many experienced web designers work as consultants and on fixed-term contracts, sometimes through specialist IT recruitment agencies.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Qualifications in related areas, such as graphic design, are an advantage.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course, e.g, Access to IT/Computing, could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Having a portfolio of creative work, including your own personal website, is also important.

Taking short training courses can be important to update your skills.

Distance learning is offered by eLearning Centre Ltd, with a range of online/CD-ROM courses including website design and development.

• 26% of people in occupations such as website designer are self-employed.
• 11% work part-time.
• 9% have flexible hours.
• 3% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.