Web design is the entire process of creating and organising sites on the internet which can be accessed by users via a web browser. This includes all aspects of the site, both on the surface and behind the scenes.
At its core, web design is about understanding how a website should look, how it should work, and how to communicate its purpose to the user. It involves many aspects of computer programming, web development, user experience design, web accessibility and more. However, web design isn't just about creating a visually appealing or stylish website; it is also about making the website functional and user-friendly.
The starting point for web design should always be the design principles which define the purpose and character of the website. These principles should include the brand positioning and core values which will be communicated through the website, as well as the user experience and how best to meet their specific needs.
The next step is to create a wireframe which will define how the website should look and behave. This should include the overall layout of the site, the size and placement of the different elements (such as images, text and videos), and the navigational paths which will be used to navigate through the site. This is also where the theme of the website will be decided, as this will set the tone for the entire site.
Once the wireframe has been approved, it is time to start the actual design process. This is where web designers will create visual elements, such as fonts, colours, images and videos, that will help to create an aesthetically pleasing website which communicates the brand message. Careful consideration should be taken when selecting all these elements, to ensure that they are consistent with the overall theme and purpose of the website.
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Next the design needs to be turned into the actual website, a task which can either be done by HTML, CSS and other web programming languages, or through automated web design software. The design process should be accompanied by testing and optimisation, to ensure that the website functions properly and reliably on all web browsers and devices.
The site should also be optimised for search engines, so that it is easy for users to find. This optimisation could include adding relevant content and improving the code structure of the site, to help the search engine rankings.
Finally, web designers should ensure that the site is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. This means making use of web standards and accessibility protocols to ensure that everyone can access the content on the site. Good web design should also ensure that the site conforms to the latest standards in web security, to protect the site and its users.
These are just some of the general guidelines and best practices that should be followed when creating a website. By following these guidelines, web designers will create sites which are visually appealing, functional and accessible to all users.