When we talk about web development, most people immediately think about coding, frameworks, and databases. However, here’s the catch—you cannot have an awesome website using just code. This is where graphic design enters the picture. Graphic design is all about more than just visually appealing elements; it involves leading visitors, establishing trust, and ensuring the website feels right.
Why Design Matters in Web Development
1. First Impressions Matter
Have you ever come across a website that appeared to be cluttered or outdated? The odds are that you’ll never go back to the website again. That's where graphic design comes into play to create the "wow" effect for you! Effective color scheme selection, easy-to-read fonts, and a clear layout can give the impression to the users that your website is trustworthy!
2. Makes Websites Easier to Use
Design is more than just decoration. Effective design can help people easily learn how to navigate a website without much effort. The design should be able to make buttons, menus, and forms easily understood, and this should be accomplished through content that directs people along in a natural manner. The code is created, but the design is how users can interact with the code.
3. Keeps Branding Consistent
Every single site that exists represents a brand. This includes colors, logos, icons, and graphic elements. Designers are critical to making sure that all elements of the site work well together. This, combined with development, comes together to give the site an element of being a legitimate extension of the brand.
4. Helps to Speed Up Development
Mockups/UI kits developed by designers are a big help to developers, as if they’re handing them a road map. With the use of a Figma or Adobe XD design, developers can see clearly how these elements are supposed to look and function.
5. Improves Accessibility
Well-designed websites are more accessible too. Designers consider contrast and visual hierarchy when developing their designs. Based on the design requirements, the developer includes these features when developing the website using programming languages such as HTML and CSS. In this way, the website can be accessed by all users equally. Users with disabilities can even use the website.
Wrapping Up
A site needs the collaboration of both graphic design and development. Code enables the functionality of the site, and design allows the site to feel right. As a developer, learning a little about design or, at least, understanding the principles of design can help your designs shift from ‘simply functional’ to actually user-friendly.
Top comments (0)