What is Web Design?

Web design is the art of making websites look great and function at their best. This involves not only coming up with creative ways to reflect what a business or organisation are all about, but also appealing directly to the wants and needs of the target audience.

Web Designer vs Web Developer

While it’s common to see the terms web designer and web developer used interchangeably these days, traditionally, these are rather different specialties.

Web designers are primarily responsible for the overall look, feel and style of a website, which includes everything from the colours and graphics used, through to the layout, typography and fonts employed.

Web developers, on the other hand, are tasked with turning those amazing ideas into a fully functional website. For this reason, web developers need to be skilled in a wide range of programs, such as CSS, HTML and JavaScript.

Web Design in Australia

Currently, Australia is home to over 50,000 web designers, many of whom are employed in New South Wales (39.3%), followed by Victoria (34.6%) and Queensland (12.3%). Web designers work for everyone, from small businesses and non-profit organisations through to government departments and a typical day involves working in an office setting in front of a computer.

Australia’s web designers are also highly educated, with 87% having completed a certificate III or higher, such as a UX (abbreviation of user experience) design course, web design course or graphic design course. 54.9% have at least a bachelor degree, with many being Graphic Design School graduates. The average age of Australian web designers is 34.

The average salary for web designers in Australia is currently $88,996 yearly,  and the average working week is 40.1 hours long.

Web Design Courses

Regardless of whether you are searching for graphic design courses, web development courses or online design courses,  finding the training you need is easy through our range of quality courses.

Certificate

Certificate level courses provide a great introduction to the industry, as well as a fantastic opportunity for professionals to update their skills. For example, a Certificate in Design will cover elements ranging from design briefs to using the latest software, whilst a Certificate IV in Web-based Technologies teaches how to design, plan, develop, test and maintain custom websites. These Nationally Recognised courses can be completed in as little as 12 months and provide a great stepping stone into roles such as junior web designer and digital media assistant.

Diploma

You can boost your skills and knowledge even further by investing in a diploma, as these in-depth programs cover everything from the latest digital media technologies through to the basics of website development. With a diploma under your belt, you’ll be ready to step into higher level web design positions such as digital media designer and website management.

Bachelor Degree

If you have your heart set on working for the world’s hottest companies, completing a bachelor degree will hold you in good stead. Here you’ll master all aspects of website media and hone your skills in layout and design, all while building an array of technical skills with which to create highly advanced websites. A typical bachelor program can take up to four years to complete and you’ll graduate ready to thrive in roles such as digital media strategist, user interface designer and communications design manager.

All courses advertised through tafecourses.com.au meet Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) standards, so whether you study web design courses in Melbourne, web development in Adelaide or take graphic design courses online, your credentials will be widely recognised.

The Future of Web Design

Now that the majority of modern business is conducted online; web designers have never been needed more. This is, however, an industry that is undergoing constant change so only those willing to continually update their skills can expect to be successful.

Considering that 15.3 million Australians now own a smartphone and another 11.2 million own a tablet, the future of web design is expected to be increasingly mobile-focused and according to Australian government data there will be at least 14% more web designers employed by 2020, compared to employment levels in 2015

Is Web Design Right for You?

If you’re a creative person who is more at home online than offline, a career in web design could well be calling your name. In this fun and exciting profession, you will get to spend every day being creative and developing your skills; however, you’ll need to be comfortable working alone as well as part of a team.

You also need a mind for detail, be someone who thrives under pressure, and quality communication skills are vital, especially when it comes to dealing with clients and explaining your ideas, plans and vision.

Think you’ve got what it takes to build effective websites that stand out from the crowd? Let’s get you trained up then, shall we? Simply find your course, sign up and get started today!