Web design involves planning and implementing a website design that is both functional and provides users with a positive experience. Websites consist of many elements that are presented in a form to facilitate easy navigation. Those with web design training work on all aspects of websites with which users interact, ensuring information is easily located and the site is visually pleasing. Web Designers must have knowledge of user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) design, as well as how to work with design programs to create a site’s visual elements. In addition to technical, programming, and design knowledge, Web Designers must also use their knowledge of design practices like color, proportions, and symmetry when creating the visual side of the website.
Strong web design comprises two essential elements: visuals and functionality. Visual elements complement one another to establish a website's theme. These include images, logos, shapes, layout, fonts, and colors. On the other hand, functional elements determine how users interact with a website. These include elements of user interaction, site structure, navigation, cross-device compatibility, and speed. The field of web design has evolved significantly since the invention of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989. Today, this field has transformed to include responsive design, which ensures that websites function properly and look good on devices of all types.
What Can You Do with Web Design Training?
Knowledge of web design can change the way a brand connects with an audience. Organizations are increasingly focusing on strong web design because of the myriad benefits it offers:
- Well-designed websites provide users with a positive first impression. This is essential for brands that want to influence how prospective clients or customers view their business.
- The more interesting and engaging a website is, the more visitors will be encouraged to explore its various sections. Similarly, websites that are too complicated or lack proper navigation can cause viewers to exit and lead to higher bounce rates, which can negatively impact a website’s rankings.
- Knowledge of web design can help a website achieve better Google rankings. By focusing on elements like URL structure, navigation, speed, and readability, Web Designers can provide greater visibility for the website and search engine.
- Web design can establish brand consistency. Elements like logos, fonts, and color schemes help audience members distinguish one brand from another and project consistency and credibility.
- Web design has many professional uses, but it can also help non-professionals create websites for various purposes. Sites like Wix or Squarespace help those with no coding experience create websites using customizable templates.
What Will I Learn in a Web Design Class?
Web design courses are an excellent way for those in Toronto to receive hands-on training in a range of tools and skills needed to create dynamic and functional websites. While the content of each program varies based on its length, difficulty level, and the content it provides (some programs offer instruction on particular coding languages or apps that other classes don’t teach), most web design classes teach students a range of useful skills, like programming languages, WordPress, responsive web design, and front-end web development tools.
Programming Languages
Many web design courses prepare students to work with several computer programming languages which are used for website creation. Coursework often teaches participants how to use HTML to structure the site’s content, CSS for its layout and style, and JavaScript to incorporate interactive elements.
WordPress
While coding knowledge is useful in web design, some programs provide instruction on tools like WordPress, which help users build websites without any programming experience. This user-friendly content management system has a drag-and-drop interface, a vast plugin library, and a range of pre-designed templates for novices and advanced users.
Responsive Web Design
Another topic that web design coursework often teaches students is responsive web design, or the practice of creating websites that can adapt to different devices. Well-designed websites should retain their usability and appearance, no matter if they’re seen on a laptop or cell phone. Those who have familiarity with responsive web design can create websites that adapt to various screen orientations, layouts, or platforms.
Front-end Development Tools
Learning to work with front-end development tools helps those who study web design create functional, fast-loading websites. Students who enroll in web design classes may study tools like Git for version control or Bootstrap for creating layouts.
Clear Communication
In addition to technical training, web design classes teach students essential soft skills, including clear communication. It’s essential for Web Designers to communicate clearly with other team members, both verbally and through written correspondence. This ensures that all team members receive the necessary updates on project progress and any other developments so that the website will be completed on time and contain the necessary content. Clear communication is also important in helping Web Designers document their work.
How Hard is It to Learn Web Design?
Learning web design may sound like a daunting task. However, for most individuals, it’s not as challenging as it may seem. While the early stages of studying web design can feel overwhelming, web design is like other skills in that it takes time and practice, along with trial and error, to learn how to design responsive websites.
One of the main challenges some learners face when studying web design is learning all the skills that fall under this umbrella. Web design is a broad field that requires knowledge of various subfields, including those related to visual design and web development. This means that aspiring Web Designers will need to be able to work with design tools like Figma or Illustrator, which are used to create a webpage’s look and feel. They will also need to focus on UX design elements, including how easy the page is for users to navigate. The web development component of web design requires knowledge of how to launch, run, and maintain webpages. Web Designers, therefore, must also be well-versed in web development skills like how to use coding languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, which are essential for coding and debugging webpages. Each of these skills can require time and practice to learn.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Web Design?
For some learners, the hardest part of studying web design occurs in the early stages, as they try to learn more about the field and the various tools and skills needed to design webpages. Since most web design projects involve multiple team members (and complicated projects may require contributions by dozens or even hundreds of specialized professionals), it can be challenging for those who are just getting started with web design to understand what exactly they hope to do with their web design knowledge and where they fit in. This process can involve trial and error, which can be time-consuming.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Web Design?
For Web Designers who will be handling all aspects of a webpage, it can take several years to learn all the elements and tools they’ll need. However, most people can learn individual skills much faster. Generally, most individuals require only a few weeks or a month of immersive study to master the most essential web design skills and tools.
Those who want to put their web design training to use creating professional webpages will likely require more training than those who will be using their skills to create webpages for their own purposes. Because web design is a diverse field that requires knowledge of a range of tools, each learner will differ in the skills they bring to the table, as well as the amount of time it will take them to acquire knowledge of individual applications or programming languages. For example, some learners may find that it takes them far less time to become familiar with Figma than it does to learn JavaScript or other coding languages. Learners who want to master many aspects of web design will require a longer timeframe to do so than those who choose to specialize in one aspect.
One of the best ways to expedite the web design learning process is to enroll in a web design course such as Noble Desktop’s Web Design Certificate, which provides accelerated, hands-on training in a small class environment.
Should I Learn Web Design in Person or Online?
One important consideration all web design students will need to make is whether to study this skill set in-person or online. Each training format has its unique benefits and drawbacks.
Most learners will find that live training is a more effective and engaging way to study web design than through self-paced content. Live courses are available in-person in Toronto and online using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. In-person classes take place at a designated training facility that provides students with computers with the most up-to-date web design tools and software already installed. Those who attend live classes meet in real-time with an expert instructor who has industry experience creating responsive websites. Students can ask questions as they arise and receive immediate clarification. Those attending class live online can even give the instructor permission to share their screen for additional help. In addition to benefiting from the individualized support from the instructor, participants in live classes also learn alongside other students in their cohort, which can provide an additional sense of community and support.
Those who opt for live classes should keep in mind that these programs take place at regularly scheduled intervals and sometimes require attending class multiple times a week. This can pose challenges for those who work full-time or have busy schedules. In-person training also requires a commute to and from class, which can be prohibitive for those who lack access to reliable transportation or live far from Toronto.
The most flexible way to study web design is through self-paced coursework. Unlike live training, which takes place in real-time, self-paced classes are pre-recorded and placed online. Students can access them on their own time and complete their training at their own speed, pausing and rewinding as often as necessary. Cost is a major incentive for choosing asynchronous coursework. Whereas live training can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, on-demand classes are often available for much less. Learners who choose to study web design through asynchronous content should keep in mind that no instructor is present. This means that it will be up to them to find answers to questions. This can pose challenges for some students such as those who are new to web design. It can also make it more difficult for aspiring Web Designers to fully master all the skills and tools they’ll need for professional purposes.
Can I Learn Web Design Free Online?
If you’re interested in learning web design but don’t want to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in training, the good news is that many free online resources are available to help:
- Noble Desktop, a New York City-based educator, offers a free Web Design Course for those who want to explore HTML and CSS to create webpages.
- Noble also has free web design seminars for those interested in exploring topics like front-end web development, WordPress, GreenSock web animation, Figma, UX Design, and JavaScript.
- Udemy offers free web design tutorials and classes that are open to learners at all levels. Those who want to explore web design can select coursework that teaches how to work with Wix, Photoshop, HTML and CSS, and WYSIWYG Web Builder.
- Other online resources also provide learners with free instruction on web design. Interactive coding platforms, tech podcasts, industry tutorials, and Developer communities like GitHub are all good resources to consult when studying web design.
Although there are many free online resources available, it’s essential for learners to select content wisely to ensure it’s current and reflects the most up-to-date web design practices. While free online content can provide answers to specific web design questions or offer basic instruction in this field, those who will be using their training for professional reasons will likely need to enroll in a more structured, live course to ensure they’re prepared to apply their training in the workplace.
What Should I Learn Alongside Web Design?
One of the most common skill sets some individuals opt to study as they learn web design is web development. Although these fields sound similar and overlap in some ways, they each require their own skill set and training. Web development differs from web design in terms of the technical training required. Whereas Web Designers focus more on a website’s look and feel, as well as its visual aspects and usability, Web Developers handle more back-end tasks. These professionals write the code that makes the site work. They also design its structure. Often, Web Designers work in teams with Web Developers to make websites that are easy to navigate, visually stimulating, and provide easy access to the necessary content.
Industries That Use Web Design
Web design training is an in-demand skill set that can open many professional doors across Toronto industries. The following sections will explore the role web design training plays in local industries like software publishing, finance, advertising, and nonprofits.
Software Publishing
Toronto’s technology industry is the fastest-growing tech sector in North America; it has created more jobs than those created in Seattle, Washington, DC, and San Francisco combined. Major video game and digital media producers like Gameloft and Ubisoft are located in Toronto. As the prevalence of digital products becomes more common in Toronto and beyond, software publishing has become a thriving industry. Those who work in software publishing work with Web Designers to design user-friendly interfaces for products.
Finance
Toronto is Canada’s biggest financial center and ranks as the second-largest financial industry in North America. Several of Canada’s most prominent banks such as the Bank of Montreal, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and the Royal Bank of Canada, are all headquartered in the city. Toronto is also celebrated for having one of the world’s safest banking systems, which makes it a popular location to pursue a career in finance.
Those who have web design training can put their skills to use in Toronto’s finance sector by creating websites for financial institutions to advertise their services or process transactions. To do so, Web Designers must have a working understanding of the finance industry and be well-versed in the various platforms on which these websites are created.
Advertising
Another prevalent Toronto industry in which web design skills are useful is in advertising and marketing. The city is known as the center of Canada’s Anglophone media industry. Ontario remains a powerhouse in the advertising sector, drawing from its skilled workforce and strong economy. By the end of 2024, Canada’s digital media revenue is projected to be more than $18 billion. Those who work in advertising rely on Web Designers to design informative and easy-to-navigate websites for clients. They also turn to Web Designers for content management and SEO optimization.
Nonprofits
There are more than 14,000 nonprofits in Toronto. These comprise a significant part of the local economy and contribute more than 8% to Toront’s GDP. More than 105,000 people are employed full-time in Toronto nonprofits. An additional 100,000 residents hold part-time jobs in the nonprofit sector. Within the city’s nonprofit industry, web design training is useful because it can help nonprofits create websites that streamline the donation process. Additionally, well-designed websites can inspire locals to become involved with a nonprofit as they learn more about the organization’s values and mission.
Web Design Job Titles and Salaries
Toronto residents who have a background in web design can put their training to use in many professional settings, including as a Web Designer, Front-end Web Developer, UX Designer, or Graphic Designer. Read on to learn more about the basic job requirements for each of these roles, as well as the corresponding salary ranges.
Web Designer
Web Designers are hired to create a website’s layout and visual components. They also ensure that the website is easy to navigate and that relevant information can be quickly located. Toronto-based Web Designers make approximately $49,000-$59,000 a year.
Front-end Web Developer
Those who work as Front-end Web Developers design and maintain a website’s graphical elements that users see and interact with. This includes any typefaces, colors, logos, or layouts the page uses. In Toronto, the average yearly salary for a Front-end Web Developer is $70,000-$80,000.
UX Designer
UX Designers are hired to create websites, applications, or products that are accessible and enjoyable to use. On a daily basis, these professionals perform tasks like researching users’ needs, creating prototypes, structuring a website’s functionality and content, and ensuring the products they create are accessible to users of all abilities. In Toronto, UX Designers earn about $78,000-$88,000 annually.
Graphic Designer
Toronto-based Graphic Designers are tasked with creating a website’s visual elements. This includes the site’s overall layout, the colors it features, the placement of images, and any typographical elements. The average yearly salary for a Toronto-based Graphic Designer is CA$46,000-CA$56,000.
Web Design Classes Near Me
If you’re interested in learning how to create responsive, interactive websites, you can search for classes in web design in Toronto using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Coursework is available for learners at all levels, including those who are new to web design and want to learn the basics.
Noble Desktop offers comprehensive, live online training in its Web Design Certificate. This rigorous program teaches participants the skills and tools they’ll need to pursue a career as a Web Developer. Those enrolled learn how to use CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to code responsive websites and then use WordPress to build them. All participants receive eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions to supplement their in-class training. Noble also has a Front-end Web Development Certificate, which is a great match for those who want to create websites that will work on devices of all types. This rigorous program includes instruction on WordPress, HTML and CSS, JavaScript, and Git. Six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions are included with tuition. All Noble courses offer a free course retake for up to one full year.
Juno College of Technology’s UX Design program offers beginner-friendly instruction in UX design. It provides training on conducting heuristic analysis, research synthesis, design information architecture, prototyping, and human-centered design. The program is available live online and in-person in Toronto.
Toronto residents can enroll in General Assembly’s Getting Started with WordPress to learn the basics about how to create a website or use WordPress to improve one that already exists. This short program provides hands-on training in how to create and update WordPress content, work with themes, customize layouts, and use widgets and plugins. General Assembly also has a Visual Design Bootcamp that provides introductory-level training in Adobe CC apps like Photoshop and InDesign. Students also work with color theory and typography as they create designs for use on websites, in social media, and in print. Both courses are available live online and in-person in Toronto.
UX/UI Design Boot Camp is offered by UofT SCS Boot Camps for those who want to fully immerse in foundational UX and UI training. This comprehensive program covers topics like the best practices for qualitative and quantitative research, information architecture, and persona creation. By the end of this bootcamp, those enrolled will know how to use Adobe XD, Google Slides, and InVision to create wireframes and prototypes. All graduates have access to career planning and coaching resources. This class is available in-person in Toronto.
Web Design Corporate Training
If you’re interested in providing web design training for some or all of your employees, Noble Desktop can help. Noble offers a range of corporate and onsite web design training options for those in Toronto. Noble can come directly to your workplace to offer training sessions to your employees, or they can attend training remotely using Zoom or a similar teleconferencing platform. You can purchase discounted bulk vouchers for your employees to use to attend Noble’s regular classes, or coursework can be customized to suit their professional needs.
Training options are available in topics like JavaScript, HTML and CSS, Flexbox, Grid, Bootstrap, React, Git and GitHub, coding, and WordPress. Training sessions can be scheduled on weeknights or weekends as necessary to accommodate employees with busy work schedules.
To learn more about the exciting corporate web design training options that are available, feel free to contact Noble today.