What is Web Design? A Big-Picture Approach to Understanding It

What is web design? Many definitions are confined only to the “design” part done by a web designer. That is misleading and a limited view. Web design brings together disciplines and skills in the building, maintenance, and development of websites. As such, understanding web design requires an encompassing, big-picture approach.

That is because web design is comprised of many areas which include but are not limited to user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, web graphics, SEO, coding, programming, authoring, web design tools and software, web components, website functionality, and design style and elements, among others.

This article is an introductory overview of our special article series on web design, some of which have already been published and others in the pipeline. We aim to give you a comprehensive, umbrella reference of all things connected with web design – from its beginnings to its current state and ongoing developments – right in one place.

What is Web Design?

Web design is a process that starts with an objective and a plan and culminates with the launching of the website, although there will be continuing site maintenance after that. Between the beginning and end are several steps that require several skills. An all-around web designer or developer can handle most of those steps.

Even you can do some of those steps like putting together content and design elements in a codeless website builder. Of course, web design is far more than those alone. Ever wonder why it takes a team to build your website when you hire an agency? That’s because it takes various professionals to perform each stage in the web design process.

There will be a project manager to discuss with you the purpose and goal of your website as well as the scope of the web design project. A web designer will come up with a site map or website architecture while a copywriter will craft content and titles. The web designer will then generate a wireframe or mockup to let you see how the website will look and perform.

Some front-end work will be done by a UX designer or UI designer to ensure seamless user interaction and provide an optimal user experience. Certain backend stuff will be made by a web developer or programmer to ascertain that different site components function as intended. An SEO specialist will verify that optimization settings and best practices are in place.

The team will do checks and reviews to make sure that everything gets a check mark as far as form, function, content, and visual elements are concerned and that they all tie in together. There will be trial runs and a test launch. Each individual who contributed to the website will go over his or her respective work.

As you can see, web design is a comprehensive, multi-faceted operation. And it takes professionals to design and produce a professional website in its entirety. This will cost you considerable investment but there are valid reasons why it’s worth it. However, the good thing is you can have a website designed and built according to your budget.

The World of Web Design: Within and Beyond

A big-picture perspective of web design will take us to explore not only its immediate ecosystem but also beyond. Our article series will attempt to connect and cover all of these areas relating to web design.

We will include the beginnings and evolution of web design, the visionaries who shaped its foundation, the crucial web design steps and stages to an examination of the current state of the web design industry, and working in the industry through various web design jobs and roles.

Our articles in this series will also span and explore web design resources such as the best forums and communities out there, the best web design bloggers to follow, the best web design news sites as well as inspiration sites. And we’ll also touch on the latest tools and technologies crucial to the work of web design and development.

Below is a rundown and description of the articles. Some of these you can read in our WDI blog, and links have been provided. Others are scheduled for publication.

History and Foundation

1. The History and Evolution of Web Design

We travel through time to learn of “eureka” moments when solutions were proposed and adopted to improve communication and networking. These are the beginnings of the World Wide Web and the continuing evolution for over three decades that brought us the Internet today.

2. Web Design Visionaries: The Thoughts and Tech Innovators Through the Years

These are the pioneers and trailblazers whose contributions led to crucial advancements in web design and development. Get to know who created the technologies that shaped the workings of web design.

Web Design Principles, Processes, and Technologies

1. 10 Fundamental Principles of Good Web Design

There are fundamental principles that you can follow to ensure a good, user-centric web design and provide an efficient, and smooth user experience. Apply these to your visual web design to enhance aesthetics and encourage user interaction.

2. 10 Website Design Elements to Increase Sales

There are specific web design elements to increase sales and improve your bottom line. These elements are designed to engage site visitors, garner leads, and produce conversions.

3. 12 Reasons to Keep Your Website Designs Simple

Learn of the many reasons to keep your web design simple. A cornerstone of an effective and engaging website is simplicity, and here are the advantages of applying that design style.

4 .The Web Design Process – Stages and Steps

Take a look and understand the steps that professional design teams undertake to design and build a website from ideation to completion. Of course, web design doesn’t end with the website launch as there is continuing maintenance and regular marketing. You’ll have a better appreciation of all the people involved in the process.

5. Web Design: Toolset and Work Kit

From tables and pixels to the erstwhile Flash, web design transformed from using crude implements to animation tools. Now rich, responsive, interactive web designs are possible through HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and their many offshoots that open countless web design possibilities.

6. 7 AI Writing Assistants to Help You Create Great Content in 2023

Great design sprouts from great content. Learn to create compelling articles and great copy by harnessing some of the best AI-powered writing tools currently available on the market.

7. 7 Best AI Website Builders That You Can Try Right Now

Creating websites has become simpler and easier to do especially with smart website builder platforms. Get to know the leading AI site builders and how you can leverage their powerful features to come up with responsive, functional, and conversion-optimized websites.

8. Best Keyboards for Web Designers

Keyboards are among the most crucial computer peripherals for web design work. Here are some of the leading keyboards for web designers that carry cutting-edge features and functionalities.

9. 7 Best Monitors for Web Designers

Web design is a visual-based discipline and, as such, you would need the best monitors for web design. Here are some great computer monitors that can aid you in making precise color tweaks and pixel-level adjustments.

Working in the Web Design Industry

1. The State of the Web Design Industry: Facts and Figures That Matter

How is the web design industry today? How big is the market and how much is it worth? What are the significant areas that comprise the industry and propel its growth? This article will contain facts, figures, and statistics that matter if you are in any way working, connected with, or part of the industry.

2. Web Design Service for Small Business

You have four main options when it comes to web design services for small business. Learn in detail the pros and cons of each option and the cost it entails for the service.

3. How Much Do Web Designers Make?

A look into the earning potentials not only of web designers but all other jobs related to web design such as digital project manager, UX designer, UI designer, web developer, etc.

4. Why a Web Design Agency Is Better Than In-House Web Design

Know the reasons why a web design agency is superior to every other service, including that of an in-house design team, and why it should be your first option for web design work.

5. 10 Pricing Strategies for Freelance Web Designers

What are the ways freelance web designers can pursue when it comes to pricing structure for web projects. There’s fixed pricing, hourly rate, daily rate and many others that you and your client can agree upon that is fair to both, depending on project scope and complexity.

Best Web Design Sites and Resources

1. Best Web Design Communities That You Can Be Part Of

A selection of the best web design communities that can help advance your career, expand your network of peers, and provide immediate answers to your questions and issues.

2. Best Web Design Bloggers to Follow and Read

The best web design bloggers are experts and authorities on various web design topics and can give you insights, experience, guides, and tutorials. They’ll be your source of knowledge and inspiration.

3. The Best Web Design Forums to Keep You on Top of Your Game

A listing of the best web design forums that you can join to keep you sharp, updated, and on top of your game. They provide discussion spaces where you can learn from others to fill in your knowledge gap on web design.

4. 7 Helpful Marketing Design Tools and Resources for Non-Designers

Not all marketers are savvy users of web, graphics, and other design tools. These are some of the most helpful design tools for non-designers who are looking to hone their skills or use design tools sans the complication.

5. Where to Get Free Stock Images for Your Corporate Website This 2023

Images, photos, illustrations, and visuals are key assets used in web design. Discover the foremost sites to get free images for your company website without worry of infringing on copywrited materials.

Your Web Design Wiki

What you read here are just sample selections of upcoming and existing web design articles. This will be updated as more articles come out. Consider it as a web design wiki of all references and materials on web design and related topics. This way, you’ll have one place for easy access to information and knowledge on the subject.

You can head straight to that location right now – visit our blog’s web design category and get started on a journey of knowledge and information. We intend to deepen your learning and intensify your passion for web design, as we’ve been doing since 2007.