Minnebar 2008 - Design Coding Panel Discussion

The design coding panel discussion was once again, very interesting this year in that not much progress has been made in determining what the roles/responsibilities of "web designers" should be.

We got a chance to hear the several peoples backgrounds and their current working situation. In summary, they continue to vary from a graphic artist sitting next to a code monkey sitting next to a developer, to one person who doing the graphic design, html/css, clientside coding, and server side coding.

My colleagues and I continue to be amazed that we fall in the latter of the extremes and that those types of roles are significantly less common. Although it was clear that HR reps writing the job descriptions for "web designers" are looking (or least they think their looking) for someone who falls in the latter extreme as well. However, even though the job descriptions commonly ask for experience in all aspects of web design, it was agreed upon that a solid portfolio and basic understanding of web design concepts should be enough.

Similar to how print designers need to know about the printing process, paper, and printers; web designers need to know about usability, accessibility, semantic coding (separation of presentation, structure, content, and behavioral). In addition to those basic principles, a web designer may need to about both client and server side coding, information architecture, SEO, SEM, analytics and KPIs, email, and web infrastructure. whew...and don't forget we also have to ensure the design and coding work and look acceptable in multiple web browsers, cross platform, and if we're working with email, there are too many email client/browser/ESP/ISP combinations to list here.

So should I get a raise if I understand all of these things at a high level, I think so.

But the point is, how is a student going to a 2 or 4 year college suppose to get exposed to all of these concepts and getting a working knowledge deep enough to join the industry? The answer: self-taught. Every panel member (including myself and my co-workers) are all self-taught to some extent. So what should the college teach and what should the student learn on their own? That is the real question. A two year degree will allow the student to "get their hands wet" in many of these topics, but not to the extent required. While a 4 year will require a more well rounded education, many of the topics will not be taught.

I'd like you feedback on what you think should be the responsibilities of a web designer and what should the course work for a web designer include?