Website Design

Web design encompasses a variety of skills and disciplines in the production and maintenance of websites. The different areas of Web design include: Web Graphic design, interface design, authoring, including standardized code and propriety software, user experience design, and search engine optimization. The term Web design is usually used to describe the design process relating to the front-end (client side) design of a website. Web Designers are expected to have an awareness of usability and if their roles involve writing mark-up then it is also expected of them to be up to date with the web accessibility guidelines.

Purpose and rationale of the qualification
this qualification has been developed for the business sector – small, medium and large enterprises. The primary purpose of the qualification is to build a foundational entry into the field of Graphic Web Design and Developers, with specific focus on Graphic Web Development. It is a qualification in its own right, and equips learners with advanced competencies in the field of professional Graphic Web Development in the business environment with specific emphasis on Database Management and Software Development. A qualifying learner at this level will have adequate fundamental knowledge coupled with interpersonal and business skills preparing for later specialization in Computer Sciences and Informational Technology fields.

Rationale
This programme addresses human resource development needs of the country. There is a growing need in a rapidly changing business environment for competence in using interactive development and multimedia software to create e-commerce sites. The Web is one of the fastest growing information technology environments in the world and all businesses are moving towards advertising including e-commerce on the Net. Competence in Graphic Web Design is thus essential in the workplace. Strong emphasis on applied knowledge and skills will add value for students enrolled for this programme. Increased equity is achieved by giving students from previously disadvantaged communities a wider access to such learning opportunities, and thus addressing ethnic imbalances in the student profile of the past.