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. |
|
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:
Inspiration or other “brainstorming”/
flowchart
programs. |
|
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| For additional information, please call Aquent at 202 293 5700. |
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