Im been forcing on my brains for the very little bits of juices for web design for the past few days and realised that web design is totally different from web development. Being proficient in web programming doesn’t make me a pro web designer. I’ve got 3 freelance projects on hand and I wld rather code php/mysql than html/css/psd. Allow me to share this:
- PHP/MYSQL is straightforward. If you don’t get the results from the database, just keep troubleshoot
- Its design-less. I dont need to do color charts or layout design. Its just the output.
- Javascript is a bonus, not a must (to me). Some users might disable their javascript and cripple the functions, thus it will defeat my backend purpose (although the real-time update is really cool)
Now, as a part-time web designer:
- Colors are important. It brings the users attention!
- Typography. Font family, size and emphasis!
- Layout to place your contents and navigation. It must be as user friendly and intuitive as possible!
- Navigations are crucial too. They define the user’s experience.
- Pictures speak a thousand words. Get the pictures right!
- Gradiency with web2.0! Layout graphics tend to look more cooler in gradient.
Web developer usually dont look at the front-end side. They don’t work much with graphics and layout and may not design as better as designers but at least they’re well-versed in codings!
This article is written as of my experience as a free-lance web designer in a cosmetic company. Many web enthusiasts may disagree with what I had say but its really what I felt. Time to get back to brainstorm for better designs!
