Ultimately what differentiates a good web designer above the rest is the ability to have a comprehensive understanding of the client’s problem and translating that into a compelling story for the client’s users. This means that the web designer must have excellent observational and communication skills to interpret the client’s unique language and understand their unique environment.

The art of communication is paramount to succeeding as a good web designer. Communication means being fluent in the client’s own language. What are the terms that the client uses most frequently to describe who they are. What are the terms that their users use to describe who they are and what they want. Asking the appropriate questions to fully understand and define the user archetypes creates a pathway for a good web designer to create the most effective way to resolve a client’s problem.

A good web designer knows the art of communication, understands the client’s language and what they are trying to achieve.[i] They work harder to lay down a foundation of understanding rather than jumping to conclusions or inserting their own biases before beginning the creative strategy. [ii]

A good web designer not only works at understanding where the client is and where they want to go but also works at understanding and clarifying the target audience and the real problem without inserting their own opinions, biases or ego. Guiding the client to visualize and organize their priorities in accomplishing their goals by asking questions that lead to creative insight[iii] helps the web designer to design for the client’s users and to create compelling stories that resonate with the users as well as the client.

A good web designer is involved in design as a “lifestyle — it’s everyday. It’s how you perceive the world, yourself and the people in it. Design is about understanding people.” [iv]

[i] Jump from graphic to web design in seven easy steps.(2012). Retrieved from http://www.creativebloq.com/design/jump-graphic-web-design-seven-easy-steps-2126469

[ii] Hamm, Spencer (2013). The Perfect Creative Process. Retrieved from http://www.studentguidewebdesign.com/the-perfect-creative-process/

[iii] Morton, Aaron (2013). Why You Need to Ask More Creative Questions. Retrieved from http://lateralaction.com/articles/creative-questions/

[iv] Design isn’t just about pixels.(2012). Retrieved from http://www.creativebloq.com/design/design-isnt-just-about-pixels-10125998