Web designer job description

Web designers create the visual form and function of web applications and web pages. They plan out how a website looks and feels, how the navigation is structured, and include the content and imagery in their design. They also write the styling code and work with developers to ensure all elements of the design display and function properly. They may also update existing sites in line with their designs, testing and improving based on how users interact with the interface. Web designers usually work with a cross-functional internal team or in a digital agency.

Tasks and responsibilities for a web designer

The tasks and responsibilities of web designers include:

Designing landing pages, menus, and web content
Integrating CMS (content management systems) in their designs so that clients can update their website with new information and posts
Optimising existing sites in terms of design and SEO (search engine optimisation)
Testing websites and find any bugs, errors, missing pages, broken links, or typos
Getting briefs from clients about their website needs and deciding how to fulfil those briefs
Showing clients their suggestions through sketches, wireframes, and proposed alternative designs
Writing website code, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

How to become a web designer

Study

No formal qualifications are required for a career in web design. But, you do have to pick up technical and soft skills before you can hit the ground running. You can draw on open-source resources, coding bootcamps, advice from forums like Stack Exchange to study web design. You can also learn in more formal settings, taking a course like Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development) (ICT40120), Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development) (ICT50220), or studying design or IT at TAFE or through university.
Building websites

Get lots of hands-on experience making websites with your design projects. You can make your own or volunteer to make websites for friends or local community groups. This practice allows you to go through the entire design process a few times to gain confidence and expertise and solve problems you might not have imagined.
Find a job

You could find a job as an in-house web designer for an organisation or a web designer working more broadly as part of a graphic design or marketing firm. Alternatively, you can become a self-employed freelance web designer and offer your services directly to clients.

Pathway options

As you gain experience as a web designer, you may be able to move into higher-level roles, with potential career paths like:

Mid

Frontend web developer

Most common qualification: Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50120)
Web developer

Most common qualification: Diploma of Information Technology (ICT50120)
User Interface Designer

Most common qualification: User Experience Design Certificate

Senior

Full stack developer

Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (ICT60220)

Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development)

Learn the fundamentals of managing website development projects, like designing a website, building wireframes, search engine optimisation, software development, responsive design, web frameworks, APIs, cybersecurity, version control, website accessibility, e-commerce, coding languages and scripting, and developing and maintaining websites and databases. Work on both group and individual assignments to get a sense of what working as a web designer is like. This qualification takes 12 months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) to complete.

Diploma of Information Technology

Study method Online

Learn the technical side of how websites work over their whole design lifecycle. Get hands-on experience working on live website projects and develop skills in working with clients, project management, designing databases, developing cloud applications, information architecture, working with big data, machine learning, developing web apps, cybersecurity and privacy, and quality assurance. This qualification typically takes 12 months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).