Because a web designer can possess a variety of skills and client expectations vary, the title is somewhat ambiguous. I have seen more than one project turn into a nightmare based on a misunderstanding of the web designer’s role. With the wide variety of client-designer scenarios available, it is almost impossible to provide you with a list of what specific services you can expect from an independent web designer. However, we can provide you with a place to start to determine if your designer is a good fit for your project.

The Web Design

Web design, at its very core, is the planning of the presentation of information through the internet. As with any other type of media, there is the good, the bad, and all the shades in between. Good web design employs a variety of concepts, some of which are debatable. One thing is clear however. The main goal is to communicate concepts, products, thoughts, or other information effectively and for your visitors to find the information they are looking for easily. With that goal in mind, we can explore the web designer’s role a little further.

The Web Designer

In relation to the paragraph above, a web designer, by definition, can be thought of as an information architect. They take your ideas, thoughts, and products and create a plan for presenting them to your web site visitors. While presentation is largely thought of in terms of aesthetic appeal, to an architect, designing something beautiful holds only a percentage of the value of designing something functional.

What specific services you will employ to achieve functionality are largely dependent on the overall goal and budget of the web site. Some sites will require little more than a few pages with a suitable layout while others may need advanced programming and database management. Some clients will want and have the budget for extensive custom work while others may find it more practical and economical to use templates. The very least of services that a designer can provide you with is the ability to help you make practical decisions that fit your needs and your budget.

In order to help you with this step, a designer does not need to know how to perform all tasks related to the implementation of the web site such as how to write a program or create a database. Having a firm understanding of the requirements a web development language, application, or amenity can fulfill however is essential.

To be continued...