Web Designer

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Clerical or OrganisingArtistic or CreativeAnalytic or ScientificSkill Level 3Skill Level 4Skill Level 5

Web designers use a combination of design and IT skills to create, develop and maintain websites. They must find a balance between the visual appeal of a website and its functionality. To achieve this, web Future Growth Strong designers must consult with clients to determine their specific requirements, design the underlying architecture of the website, design the visual layout of each page and in some cases develop custom programs to improve the functionality of the website.

ANZSCO ID & Description: 232414: Plans, designs, develops and prepares information for Internet publication with particular emphasis on the user interface, ease of navigation and location of information using text, pictures, animation, sound, colours, layout and data sources to deliver information tailored to an intended audience and purpose.

Alternative Names: Web developer


Knowledge, skills and attributes

A web designer needs:

  • to be able to work independently or as part of a team

  • to be able to work well under pressure

  • good communication skills

  • an aptitude for design

  • to be familiar with computer programming languages

  • to keep up to date with new web technologies and trends

UWA
(Source: University of Western Australia)

Duties and Tasks

As a web designer, you would:

  • meet with clients and developers to discuss what they want their site to do and how they want it to look
  • draw up a detailed design plan, showing the site structure and how the different parts link together
  • deciding which branding, text, colours and backgrounds to use
  • use a variety of coding languages or software
  • lay out pages and position command buttons, links and pictures using design software
  • add multimedia features like sound, animation and video
  • register domain names and organise website hosting if necessary
  • test and improve the design and site until everything works as planned
  • ensure that web pages are optimised and responsive no matter what type of device a viewer is using
  • make sure the site complies with and legal or accessibility requirements
  • optimise the website for search engine use
  • upload the site to a server for publication online
  • hand the completed website over to the client
  • train client staff in the use and functionality of the website.

Working conditions

Web designers can work from anywhere that they can set up a computer and have access to a high speed internet connection. While a number of web designers work in offices, usually in metropolitan region or large regional centres, a number of web designers work from home as independent contractors.

The hours a web designer works depend largely on their employer. Those working for IT or design firms generally work regular office hours, though they may occasionally be expected to work longer hours to ensure deadlines are met. Independent contractors are free to set their own hours, and have a greater degree of flexibility around when they work, as long as contracts are completed on time. Some travel may be required to meet with clients and discuss website specifications and requirements.

Tools and technologies

Web designers work primarily on computers, using a number of general design and website development programs. Some designers may also use art materials to sketch out designs before transferring them to the computer. Digital cameras and recording devices may also be used to capture images, video and sounds to be used on websites.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a web designer without any formal qualifications and get training on the job, although you will require a familiarity with at least one of the more common web scripting languages such as Javascript or PHP, as well as a sound understanding of HTML.

Entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in digital media technologies, interactive media, web media, web communications or a related field.

VET courses and university degrees in digital media technologies, interactive media, web media and web communications are widely available from TAFE Colleges, registered training organisations and universities throughout Australia.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of web designers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Almost all organisations require web design and development work at some point. Demand will be driven by the growing popularity of mobile devices and ecommerce, and the need to develop, maintain and upgrade websites and web-based applications.

For entry level roles, prospects are likely to best for those with strong coding skills and knowledge alongside creative design skills.

 

Did You Know?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics:

TYPE OF ACCESS CONNECTION

There were 14.2 million internet subscribers in Australia at the end of December 2017. This is an increase of 3.4% from the end of June 2017.

VOLUME OF DATA DOWNLOADED


The total volume of data downloaded in the three months ended 31 December 2017 was 3.6 million Terabytes (or 3.6 Exabytes).

This is a 19.7% increase in data downloads when compared with the three months ended 30 June 2017 and a 38.6% increase in the year between December 2016 and December 2017.

Data downloaded via fixed line broadband (3.5 million Terabytes) accounted for 97.0% of all internet downloads in the three months ended 31 December 2017.


MOBILE HANDSET SUBSCRIBERS


As at 31 December 2017, there were approximately 26.7 million mobile handset subscribers in Australia. This is an increase of 1.4% since June 2017.

The volume of data downloaded via mobile handsets for the three months ended 31 December 2017 was 203,157 Terabytes. This was a 16.0% increase in data downloads via mobile handsets when compared with the three months ended 30 June 2017 and a 39.1% increase in downloads in the year ended 31 December 2017.



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Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

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Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer