An article declares that “Digitization Increases The Need for Web Design Courses.” But does it?

A web design course needs to teach HTM, CSS, graphic design, UX, UI, and a shelf of other skills. languages. There are so many things to know that a) it probably can’t be taught in one course, and b) in the work world it will likely be the job of several people.

There are also the “soft skills” of designing so that words, images, videos, colors, and composition work together and are engaging to viewers. In other words, problem-solving, planning, and collaborative communication. As a person who came to teach from the humanities, I like that the article notes that these courses also need to “emphasize the proper use of English grammar and correct formatting” though that is not always the domain of a designer these days.

Clearly, it is courses – plural – that will make you a designer, and possibly will lead you to focus in one area of specialization.

With the many DIY web design tools and platforms available to us now, basic web design can be learned on your own through some trial and error. I know designers who make a living at it and who took that path. For them, creating a site for a local business or friend is entirely possible. But all of them would admit that they probably could not step into a designer job at a big company. And that’s okay. We need all kinds of designers at all kinds of levels.