Web Design
Level |
Artistic Skills |
Strategic&Tactical Skills |
Years |
Software |
I |
Should have decent eye for layout spacing and color. |
Can understand tactical goals and follow instructions. |
1 |
See “Web
Page Production” page for HTML-editing software. Typically
a Web designer would know the same software as an HTML coder
at the same level. A few Web designers (especially at higher
levels or on larger Web teams) may just prototype in Photoshop,
QuarkXPress, Illustrator, or FreeHand and not actually do
any HTML editing. Nonetheless, knowledge of the HTML language
and HTMLl-editing software allows designers to better understand
the limitations of HTML, and to better supervise coders. Interface / navigation designers will use Photoshop, Illustrator, FreeHand, or potentially 3-D software to develop images which will then be integrated into Fireworks, Generator, Dreamweaver, GoLive, etc., for creating animations and live linking. |
II |
Art-direction skill basic to intermediate; design experience may be limited to having worked on Web sites. |
As
above, plus can understand your marketing or other organizational
strategy. Can help implement that strategy with some direct supervision. |
2+ |
|
III |
Probably has some print design background and strong art direction skills (managing production and / or creative people). Good sense of color, layout, and drama. | Can help you refine your Web strategy; understands copy / design integration. Good knowledge of information design (how to organize information and create a navigational structure that makes sense) and its relationship to visual design. | 3+
|
|
IV |
Can build / design a Web site from scratch that is a unified work of art. Can combine content, navigational structure, and appearance into a powerful integrated experience. |
Web architect. Can help you develop a successful Web strategy from scratch and the interface design / “look and feel” to implement it. Has solid understanding of Web technical capacity (what’s doable) as well as business acumen to provide justification for design decisions. |
4+ |
As
above, plus: |