Is web design in Kenya still in demand? This question keeps popping up. If you are here, then you are thinking about being a web designer and wondering whether it’s a smart move. It’s not uncommon to be plagued by doubts and what-ifs when making a career change, especially right now, after all the uncertainty we’ve faced over the last two years.
As it stands, the future of web design is bright, and most importantly, lies in the technology at the end of consumers. Let’s be sincere, technology is controlling the world, if not right now, in a couple of years.
Who is a web designer?
A web designer/developer is a professional who takes web design and the needed functionalities according to the requirements/specifications of the client and converts it into a website.
In a company setting, a web designer holds a very critical role. He converts the language of their bosses/company into a language understood by the computer, using a programming language for instance HTML.
Why is web design so important?
Website design is an important matter and should not be taken lightly. A well-designed website can help you form a good impression on your prospective customers. It can also help you nurture your leads and get more conversions.
But, more importantly, it provides a good user experience and helps your website visitors access and navigate your website with ease.
If you already have a website, you can always conduct a site audit and optimize it to provide a better user experience and improve accessibility.
Evolution of web design
Since the first websites in the early 1990s, designers have been experimenting with the way websites look. Early sites were entirely text-based, with minimal images and no real layout to speak of other than headings and paragraphs. However, the industry has evolved.
Today’s web designs are more sophisticated than ever before. With the development of search engine algorithms, companies have to create websites that will rank well in Google and other search engines. They have to include keywords and images that will help those algorithms find relevant results. With the rise of social media, brands have to create online presences that will appeal to their followers. They also include visual elements to make their platforms more interactive. Web designers use a variety of software to create more advanced visual designs. This includes tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma for the more advanced designers.
How does the future of web design in Kenya look like?
Along with the advancements in technology, the future of web development tends to change every single year. It is presented when the number of websites all over the world has increased dramatically. In addition, businesses nowadays depend more on online purchases via apps or websites rather than conventional stores.
Therefore, to compete with such a competitive digital market, your website must become more potent. To do this, you must create innovative ideas and identify the newest web development trends to be on the lookout for.
Some of the trends include:
3D Elements
3D elements have been around for years but new technologies make rendering 3D textures on web pages much easier. This trend will inevitably become more popular. Currently, we are seeing more elements being applied across every discipline of design, from the user interface to illustrations.
As technology enhances, we strive to find creative ways to keep audiences’ interest without derailing them from their customer journey.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In the coming days, it is presumable that the role of artificial intelligence will become wider than ever in the world of websites.
It can not be denied that AI will be the future of web development as this phase has developed at a higher speed. Currently, many leading companies have launched AI-specific. Furthermore, the launch of Artificial Design Intelligence(ADI) tools has allowed automated website development which can be customized further according to the web developers. Two common examples of AI systems are Apple’s Siri and Google’s Alexa, which have features of recognizing human speech, analyzing it by tracking patterns, and offering a better user experience thanks to information interpreted. One another example of the fastest-growing AI trend is speech recognition. It plays an essential role and an indispensable part in revolutionizing the mobile and website development world.
Virtual Reality(VR)
Over the past few years, virtual reality has been one of the most determined elements that have had a positive impact on the future of web development. Web developers have made full use of virtual reality to implement the top traits of technology to bring their users a stimulating environment.
The websites equipped with virtual reality can permit the users to enjoy the 3D world in real-time and have engagement with it. Several famous organizations are looking for web developers with adequate skills in virtual reality that can be implemented in their business models. This can offer their clients to engage virtually with their products which can increase general customer satisfaction.
Green Hosting
People are much aware of the deteriorating state of climatic conditions and would like to be part of the campaigns and efforts to reverse and restore it.
That’s why green hosting is increasingly becoming a trend and various web hosting firms offer green hosting to users.
But this doesn’t involve some kind of organic servers in the forests! It simply involves a concept where energy-efficient and eco-friendly servers are used to host websites and blogs.
Reasons to Get into Web Design:
1. People are spending more time online
The amount of time people spend online has doubled since the pandemic began. Before 2020, consumers worldwide were spending an average of 3 hours and 17 minutes online every day. Now? The average is 6 hours and 59 minutes.
Needless to say, web designers are in high demand as businesses rush to get in front of these consumers.
2. Freelance Work Is Growing Rapidly
Freelancing in Kenya has grown by 22% (about 2 million workers) since 2019. This now-popular career move is a great option for everyone — from university graduates entering the workforce for the first time to anyone who’s been recently laid off. Heck, if you’re just plain unhappy with the course of your career and want to shake things up, freelancing could be the breath of fresh air you need.
3. It’s a Future-Proof Field
In these uncertain times, you’re right to be cautious about jumping into something new. But web design is a career that’ll be around for a long, long time. It’s not just the fact that we’ll always need people to build websites that make this field future-proof. You could build websites, mobile apps, web apps, and also progressive web apps. You could also specialize in, graphic design, User Experience Design(UX), User Interface Design(IX), and web development. You could work for yourself. Build your agency. Go work for someone else.
There’s a ton of flexibility in how you make a living as a designer. So if your interests change or your industry is impacted, that’s fine. Just pivot!
4. You Can Do It From Anywhere, Anytime
When people are nervous about traveling or living in densely packed cities, that’s not something that should worry you as a web designer. One of the benefits of being a web designer is that you can do it from anywhere you want and on your schedule.
This is especially nice for anyone who has a family and needs a more effective way of managing it all at once, even when the kids aren’t in school or jobs out in the physical world are diminishing.
5. It Is Rewarding
Because you control your career as a web designer, you get to decide who you build websites for. So, what kinds of causes are you passionate about? Is there an industry you have close ties to and want to give back to? This isn’t about working for free. This is about offering your professional design services to people you’re invested in and causes that get you excited.
Not only will it be easier to work for clients like these, but you’ll enjoy it more, too.
6. You Don’t Need to Go to School to Become a Designer
This is a common question for people wanting to leap into web design. While you should have some basic knowledge and skills when you start, you don’t need a degree in design or development to start making money.
One of the beautiful things about becoming a web designer is that you can learn as you go. For instance, you can start as a freelancer, building websites from pre-made templates or themes. As you get more experience and pick up the advanced design and coding skills, you can then branch out into specialized fields or areas of expertise.