Web design is the process of planning, conceptualizing, and arranging content online.It is not just about how a website looks, but also about how it works and how the user interacts with it.
Think of web design as digital architecture. Just as an architect creates the blueprints and aesthetic style for a house before it is built, a web designer creates the layout and visual structure of a website before a developer writes the code to make it function.
The Two Pillars of Web Design
Web design is generally broken down into two main areas that work together:
1. User Interface (UI) – “The Look”
This focuses on the visual elements that users see.
Layout: How text, images, and buttons are arranged.
Typography: The choice of fonts that are easy to read and match the brand’s style
Color Scheme: Using colors to evoke emotion and guide attention (e.g., a bright button for “Buy Now”).
Imagery: Photos, illustrations, and icons
2. User Experience (UX) – “The Feel”
This focuses on how the user interacts with the site
Navigation: Is the menu logical? Can users find what they need in 3 clicks or less?Responsiveness: Does the site look good on a mobile phone, tablet, and desktop?Speed: Does the design use optimized images so the page loads quickly?
Common Tools Designers Use
Figma: The industry standard for designing website layouts and prototypes (free to start). Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator: For creating custom graphics and editing photos. Canva: A simpler, drag-and-drop tool for beginners to create web assets. WordPress/Wix: “No-code” platforms that allow you to design and build a site simultaneously using template
Why Good Web Design Matters
First Impressions: It takes about 0.05 seconds for users to form an opinion about your website. Trust: A poorly designed site looks unprofessional and can make users doubt the legitimacy of the business. SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Search engines like Google prefer websites that are mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. If users leave your site quickly because it’s confusing (high bounce rate), Google may lower your rankings.
