Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)

Web designers and developers plan, organize and produce web design concepts and create Internet and intranet sites for client websites.

See what a day in the life of this job is like—watch WorkBC’s Career Trek video about this occupation.

Source: WorkBC’s Career Trek

Web designers and developers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Consult with clients to develop and document website requirements
• Prepare mock-ups and storyboards
• Develop website architecture and determine hardware and software requirements
• Source, select and organize information for inclusion and design the appearance, layout and flow of the website
• Create and optimize content for the website using a variety of graphics, database, animation and other software
• Plan, design, write, modify, integrate and test website related code
• Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls
• May lead and co-ordinate multidisciplinary teams to develop website graphics, content, capacity and interactivity
• May research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products

Workers typically work in an office environment with computers. Self-employed web designers and developers may also be home-based.

This work tends to conform to a regular 40-hour week, however, when projects are at a critical phase involving implementation, workers may be required to work longer hours.

This occupation generally requires long sessions using a keyboard and monitor so web designers may be at risk of developing eye strain, backaches and hand and wrist problems (ranging from simple strains to longer-term ailments, such as carpal tunnel syndrome).

Web technologies are continuously being used to improve the ability of organizations to communicate faster and more effectively. Growing use of information technologies will drive the need for more workers in this profession. Consequently, the majority of openings will arise due to the creation of new jobs, and demand is likely to increase in upcoming years. There will also be job openings that result from the need to replace those who retire.

There is particularly strong demand for those workers that possess a high level technical knowledge, and are able to work on large complex systems. There is a sufficient supply of new graduates willing to do basic web design, however, employers require individuals with substantial experience in “information architecture.” Information architecture refers to the design of clear and understandable information through the effective organization of content, in terms of navigation, layout and search functionality.

Larger urban centres in the province offer more opportunities for full-time work and opportunity to work in “higher end” web development and design projects.

The web-design/development field is moving towards a focus on user experience, information architecture and usability design. Web designers and developers must now consider the implications of the web design project for use on mobile devices, and increasingly need to use social media in developing websites and broader online experiences.