Graphic design plays an important part in web design as its main role is to communicate the brand’s identity and messages visually through the website. Good graphics not only improve the user experience, but also help to attract and retain visitors, and ensure that the website is easy to navigate which will ultimately drive engagement.
Let’s jump into why having good graphic design is crucial for website design and development:
What is graphic design?
Graphic design is the art of creating visual images to convey a message. It’s the combination of typography, imagery, colour, and layout to produce unique and memorable designs. Graphics are the first thing that people notice when interacting with a brand/product, which is why they are so important to get right as they need to make an impact and spread the message accurately. Graphic design not only makes something look good, it organises information to help deliver a message in the most impactful way possible.
Check out this blog on everything you need to know about graphic design.
What is web design?
Web design is the art of planning and arranging content on a website so that it can be shared and accessed online with the world. It primarily uses a combination of aesthetic and functional elements, including layout, colour schemes, typography, and user interface. These elements ensure that the website is user friendly, functions as it should, and is responsive across various devices.
As the number of mobile phone users increases, it’s become more important for web designers to programme content in a way which works for all devices. Responsive web design is a strategy which responds to users’ needs and their devices’ capabilities by changing a site’s layout to suit the device being used. One example of a responsive web design technique is to arrange content in a single-column view on a phone, two columns on a tablet, and three or four columns on a desktop computer.
Is graphic design the same as web design?
While there are some similarities, they are both very different from each other and require different techniques and skills.
One similarity is that both focus on sharing messages visually, with the priority being ensuring that the final product is aesthetic and professional. Furthermore, both need to ensure that the branding is consistent through the use of logos, colour schemes, and fonts. Both require skills in typography, colour theory, and layout to ensure the final product is visually appealing.
The overall objective of both graphic and web designers is to keep the audience in mind as the designs and graphics come together. In other words, finding out what the audience wants and needs and then translating it into imagery and a highly functional website.
However, one of the main differences is the technical skill level required. Web designers need to know about programming and coding in order to be successful whereas graphic designers don’t. Similarly, graphic design isn’t interactive and doesn’t change (unless animated), whereas web design requires the user to be constantly interacting as they click buttons to navigate the website.
Web design is an ongoing process, meaning there are constant updates and changes needed for the upkeep of the website. It requires continuous involvement from the web designer, whereas for the most part, graphic design is completed once the graphics are finalised.
All in all, designers provide the visuals, while developers ensure these visuals come to life.
Here are our 10 reasons why graphic design is the foundation for great web design:
Graphic design is an important and often understated aspect of web design, this is because a huge amount of brand discovery happens online. Many people will find brands online through their websites to scope out the product(s) first before purchasing. Here is why having good graphic design is so important:
1) Visual Appeal
Graphic design draws people in through the aesthetics of the website and holds their attention. If it’s easy to navigate and nice to look at it will improve the user experience and even boost potential sales.
2) Brand Identity
It’s crucial to ensure that there is consistent branding throughout the website and that it fits in with the brand’s identity. This can be achieved through cohesive colour schemes, logos, and the overall style.
3) User Engagement
User interaction and engagement is instantly improved when the look and feel of a website is a positive experience. It should be easy for users to find exactly what they are looking for.
4) Navigation
Well-designed graphics naturally improve the navigation, making websites more user-friendly and accessible for all.
5) Readability
Typography choices are key as they will enhance the readability and delivery of information to the users.
6) Professionalism
High-quality graphic design conveys professionalism and credibility, having good design elements encourage users to move on in your selling process.
7) Emotional Impact
Graphic design often evokes emotions which can influence the user’s perception and behaviour.
8) Communication
Great visuals have the ability to communicate the brand’s messages quickly and effectively.
9) Creativity
Graphic design brings creativity by making websites unique and memorable for users.
10) User Experience
By integrating aesthetics with functionality, the user experience automatically improves. It doesn’t matter how good your web development team is at coding, there needs to be a good graphic designer on hand to take care of the design aspects to improve the user experience.
Where can I study graphic design?
Do you fancy a career in graphic design? Look no further, Access Creative College (ACC) offers a Level 3 Graphic and Digital Design course! During this course you will master typography, illustration, web design, layouts, and so much more. You will also gain industry experience by working to live briefs, giving you an automatic leg up when it comes to applying for jobs as you’ll already have some of the relevant industry experience needed.
Whether you want to design graphics for websites, video games, book covers, movie posters, or fashion brands, ACC is the perfect place to start your journey.
There’s still time to apply now for September 2024!
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