Web Design

As a whole, the process of web design includes conceptualization, planning, producing, post-production, research, advertising as well as media control that is applied to the pages within the site by the designer or group of designers with a specific purpose.

Web designing is all about writing code that is valid HTML and CSS. HTML and CSS are the fundamental technologies for building web pages: HTML (html and xhtml) for structure, CSS for style and layout, including WebFonts.

By separating the presentation style of documents (CSS), from the content of documents (html and xhtml), thus simplifying Web authoring and site maintenance.

The actual look & feel design of the final graphical user interface (GUI). It may be based on the findings developed during the usability testing. User interface design requires a good understanding of user needs.

User Interface Design

There are several phases and processes in the user interface design, some of which are more demanded upon than others, depending on the project.

Functionality Requirements – assembling a list of the functionality required by the system to accomplish the goals of the project and the potential needs of the users.

Information Architecture – development of the process and/or information flow of the project (i.e. for phone tree systems, this would be an option tree flowchart and for web sites this would be a site flow that shows the hierarchy of the pages).

Wireframing – development of wireframes, either in the form of paper prototypes or simple interactive screens. These prototypes are stripped of all color design elements and most content in order to concentrate on the User Interface.

Logotype Design

A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition. Logos are either purely graphic (symbols/icons) or are composed of the name of the organization (a logotype ).

In the days of printing a logotype was a uniquely set and arranged typeface. At the level of mass communication and in common usage a company's logotype is today often synonymous with its trademark or brand.

Various methods are used to create and combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.

A Graphic Designer may use a combination of typography, visual arts and page layout techniques to produce the final result.

Graphic Design

Graphic Design often refers to both the process (designing) by which the communication is created and the products (designs) which are generated.

The term "Graphic Design" can also refer to a number of artistic and professional disciplines that focus on visual communication and presentation. The field as a whole is also often referred to as Visual Communication or Communication Design.

A graphic design project may involve the stylization and presentation of existing text and either preexisting imagery or images developed by the graphic designer

In a magazine article or advertisement, often the graphic designer or art director will commission photographers or illustrators to create original pieces just to be incorporated into the design layout.

Design

The mind may be the most important design tool. Aside from technology, design requires judgment and creativity.

The method of presentation may be equally important to the design. The layout is produced using external traditional medium or digital image editing tools (Illustrator and Photo Shop).

There is some debate whether computers enhance the creative process of design. Computers allows many designers to explore multiple ideas quickly with more detail than what could be achieved by traditional design.

However, being faced with limitless choices does not help isolate the best design solution and can lead to endless iterations with no clear design outcome.

A good designer develops an interaction with the subject matter, formalizes a plan of action and limits the scope of the project development to a concise form of proven best design principles.