You’re Failing as a Web Developer — and Here’s Why

While creating a personal website for my Writing for the Web class, I researched a few different websites that I thought might be useful.

I stumbled upon www.webdesignerdepot.com. This is a website dedicated to discussion about design, both print and online. According to their website, Webdesigner Depot is “an exciting new platform designed to explore different web and graphic design techniques, great examples and best practices” and the “blog is a joint effort and collaboration between leading designers around the world which contribute a wealth of expertise on all fields of design, such as coding, typography, Photoshop tutorials and more” (Webdesigner Depot). A substantial amount of the content deals with suggestions in concepts, methods and news in design. Some of the stories included are “40 Excellent Logos Created with Helvetica” and “The Evolution of Apple Ads.” I’ve perused the blog and read a number of the posts and have to express appreciation and confidence in the comprehensiveness, organization, and visual appeal in the site.

One of the more interesting articles available is “You’re Failing as a Web Developer-- and Here’s Why.” (http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2010/04/youre-failing-as-a-web-developer-%E2%80%94-and-heres-why/)

The article lists 8 reasons why web developers and designers don’t reach their full potential or lose relevance. They are as follows:

You Have No Intention of Ever Turning Down a Client
Summary: Working for any client who will pay isn’t always a good thing because some clients will unflinchingly demand what they want to see and not what’s necessarily best for the design of the website, which compromises the consistency and appeal of your portfolio. Instead, designers and developers should prioritize clients they can work well with.

2.You’re the Proverbial “Jack of All Trades”
Summary: Knowing how to execute a variety of web design jobs is a good thing but taking up an inordinate amount of jobs for a client or project on a regular basis begins to hurt you in the long-run because attempting to remain proficient in too many areas prevents up-to-date specialization in one area. Instead, focus on becoming competent and staying cutting edge in a few specific areas.

You Don’t Do Any Networking
Summary: It’s simple. “One great way to ensure you’re staying on the cutting edge and keeping up with standards and best practices is through networking, both online and in person” (Webdesigner Depot). Attend conferences and events and get active in social networking to build your...social network.


You Can’t Justify Your Design Decisions
Summary: Designers become too obsessed with the aesthetics of the website and get away from the focus and purpose of a site. Some designers even become imitators of other pretty sites without even remotely treating their own project with respect. Designers should treat every project as unique.

You’re A jQuery Ninja, But Can’t Code Raw JavaScript
Summary: Developers should be familiar with raw JavaScript and be able to execute with the language rather than predominantly relying on jQuery. Those well-versed in JavaScript are better developers.

You Never Think About Progressive Enhancement
Summary: Progressive enhancement deals with making the website compatible across a number of technological situations like older browsers and JavaScript users. Some developers don’t plan for these situations at the beginning of the project but wait until mid-project, if at all, to address the issue.

You Think “Specs” are Glasses
Summary: Designers and developers should make it a priority to know and be able to converse about the latest web standards and CSS and HTML specifications. These standards determine the future of the internet in terms of look, accessibility, and functionality. A developer aware of these standards is more attractive to employers and has a more informed understanding of his/her job.

You’re Preparing to Post a Comment on This Article to Explain Why I’m Wrong
Summary: Web professionals need to consistently step back and reevaluate their goals and objectives.This is important for staying current and building a friendly online community of designers and developers.