In an era in which having a web presence is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, web design has become a buzz phrase and a much discussed topic. In the discussion of web design there are two distinct categories that are used quite often by web design experts. These categories are "basic web design" and "advanced web design".
Web design encompasses a number of different disciplines and skills, which include, but are not limited to, web graphic design, interface design, standardized coding, authoring, SEO functionality and more.
Understanding the difference between these two categories will assist you in understanding the processes involved in web design as well as providing a lucid understanding as to what type of web designer you may need for your particular project.
Basic web design incorporates the basic elements of web design in consideration of a specific need. Basic elements such as using format themes or basic HTML and JavaScript coding can be used. Basic web design can be used to create most common websites that don't require any dynamic functionality or eCommerce capability. Basic web design works well for the production of static websites. Most basic web designs lack specificity and absolute customization.
Basic web design does not incorporate the latest advanced techniques, such as cascading style sheets practices and the more advanced HTML, XHTML and CSS coding.
Basic web design is the total practice of creating a functional site or page that is aesthetically pleasing as well. Some basic web design techniques will allow the designer to integrate graphics and animations to a certain point.
When it comes to advanced web design, the designer is able to use more advanced techniques that allow for the design and development of a more dynamic and interactive website. The advance designer has an understanding of Search Engine Optimization, which can be used in the design of the site itself as well as in the meta-tags and written content that will be on the site. Content management is an important part of building and sustaining any website, and the advanced designer will be able to design the site so that the content can be easily adjusted and managed.
The advanced web designer will also be able to incorporate the latest techniques and advancements, such as responsive web design, which creates a more fluent and pleasant customer experience for those who visit the website, regardless to the device that is being used (i.e. Tablet, smartphone, eReader, laptop, etc.).
When it comes to advanced techniques, they are so multitudinous that most designers don't attempt to incorporate all of them into their skill set. Instead, they chose to specialize in a particular area while working with other designers who specialize in different areas to produce a complete project.
In addition to responsive websites, another type of site that would require some advanced design and development would be an eCommerce site. Because of the security measures that must be in place for an eCommerce site, there is a certain level of expertise required for the site to meet SSL Encryption certification.