By Ken Baldauf, Director of the Program in Interdisciplinary Computing at Florida State University

It’s probably no surprise that web design skills are in high demand these days. Interestingly, much of the most creative and compelling Web content comes not from computer programmers but from creative thinkers who represent a wide variety of backgrounds.

As Director of Florida State University’s Program in Interdisciplinary Computing (PIC), I must discover and deliver the most important technology skills for students of all disciplines.  I visited with deans and department chairs across campus to find out which technology skills were most important for their students. One skill set was repeated by all those I spoke with: Web Design.

Whether you want to open a restaurant or work in public relations, the ability to create your own online space has immeasurable value. Because of this, universities across the country are developing web design courses specifically for the non-technically inclined. The valuable skills you can learn will go beyond the technical to the applicable. Here are just a few of the web design skills that will help you grow as a professional:

  • Information Architecture: By learning to take large quantities of information and organize it into a hierarchy of information chunks, students not only learn basic web formatting but also an ability to separate the relevant from the irrelevant.
  • Interface Design: The user experience is paramount in the study of Web Design. By learning how to engage the audience, you are also developing the skills needed to market yourself.
  • Visual Design Principles: The saying is true – a picture is worth a thousand words. Regardless of your profession, the ability to express yourself visually and influence others through visual elements is a valuable talent.
  • Web Communication: As the digital world grows, everyone must learn how to communicate in this developing medium. Just as our programming was once reformatted from radio to television, we must change the way we communicate for the web.
  • Web Technologies:  Learning the technical tools needed to develop your own websites will give you an edge over competition in any field. Whether you want to publish your work, display your photos, create a portfolio or build a company website you will have the basic skills needed to get started.

 

From my work with hundreds of students enrolled in dozens of degree programs, I am convinced that the acquisition of Web skills empowers students to innovate within their area of expertise.

For artists and designers, the Web has become an inspiring and highly visible canvas offering opportunities for new forms of expression. For those planning to work in business, the Web provides a platform for vital business applications and communication. For anyone dealing with information management, Web and database skills are essential. For communication, marketing, and entertainment, the Web provides access to the world’s largest audience.  For scientists, and engineers, the Web provides the best method of publishing research, and communicating ideas.

Studying Web design provides essential skills for managing information and communicating in the 21st century. So, what are you waiting for?

Ken Baldauf is the Director of the Program in Interdisciplinary Computing at Florida State University, where he is responsible for developing courses to meet the computing and technology needs across disciplines. Since joining FSU’s faculty in 1998, Ken has taught Computer Fluency, Information Management, Digital Media, Web Development, and Programming courses to classes with enrollments as large as 2,500 students per semester. He has authored several textbooks, and recently designed an online learning framework that is revolutionizing online teaching and learning to better meet the needs of the iGeneration.