Complete guide to web design 2024

Whether you're creating a brand new website or upgrading the one you already have, it pays to get help from a web designer. In this guide, we've gathered everything we think you need to know about web design - before you choose a web designer.

Complete guide to web design 2024

Here's what you'll learn:

  • What is web design?
  • What does a web designer do?
  • How to choose the right web designer?
  • Why is web design important?
  • What does web design cost?
  • How long does web design take?
  • How we work with web design at Fjellvann
  • FAQ

What is web design?

Web design is about the planning, design, development and maintenance of websites. The goal of web design is to combine design with functionality to ensure that the website not only looks good, but is also user-friendly and efficient for visitors. This means that there are different disciplines within web design, which can be divided into:

  • Graphic design for web
    Selecting colors, fonts and layouts that reflect the brand's identity. Graphic design creates the visual identity of a website, helping to shape the user's perception and experience.
  • User interface (UI)
    UI designers work on designing the interfaces that users interact with. This includes the design of buttons, menus, and other interactive elements. The goal is to make the website's interface as intuitive and user-friendly as possible.
  • User experience (UX)
    UX design is all about how the website works and how users experience the website. UX designers research and test how users interact with the website to ensure a positive experience. They focus on optimizing the site's structure and functionality based on user behavior and feedback.
  • Frontend development
    Although technically more of a development field, frontend development is essential to web design. Front-end developers implement the visual design of the web using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They ensure that the design works across different browsers and devices.
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)
    Implementing strategies to improve your website's visibility and ranking in search engines such as Google and Bing.
  • Content production
    Development of engaging and informative content, including text, images and videos, that communicates effectively with the target audience.

Read more about why you should use a copywriter for your website here.

What does a web designer do?

Web designers can be seen as digital architects of how websites should look and function. Their work is crucial to ensuring that websites function properly. Web designers create new websites and develop existing ones. They combine creative and technical skills to build interfaces that not only look great but also work flawlessly.

More specifically, they create wireframes and prototypes, conduct user tests, monitor and analyze website usage. They also work closely with the companies they help to create websites that are designed for their services and target groups. As well as often collaborating with content producers, marketers and IT specialists to create a holistic and cohesive digital experience.

Complete guide to web design 2024

How to choose the right web designer?

Finding the right web designer is like choosing a guide for a mountain hike - essential for a safe and successful experience. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your digital presence is as beautiful as Norwegian mountain water:

  1. Explore the portfolio
    Take a good look at the web designer's previous work. An impressive portfolio that shows diversity and depth tells you that this designer can navigate varied terrain. Also look for experience with companies similar to your own.

    Take a look at our portfolio if you're curious here.
  2. Read feedback from other customers
    Customer reviews are like tracks left by other hikers; they show the way and warn of potential obstacles. Make sure the web designer has a good reputation for collaboration and reliability.
  3. Understanding the design process
    A clear and structured process is the key to a successful project. The designer should be able to explain their approach from start to finish, just as a guide would explain the route of a mountain hike.
  4. Technical expertise
    Your ideal web design partner should have the technical insight to implement modern and responsive designs, just like having the latest and greatest gear for a hike.
  5. Communication and collaboration
    Choose a designer who is easy to communicate with and open to your ideas. Good conversations lead to the best solutions.
  6. Budget and timeframe
    Confirm that the designer's price and schedule are in line with your expectations.
  7. Post-launch support
    A website needs maintenance, just like taking care of equipment after a long trip. Make sure the designer offers good aftercare and support.

Also read about other important choices that need to be made if your company needs a new website.

Why is web design important?

Web design isn't just about aesthetics and function - it plays an important role in how people experience a brand. Web design is crucial for people to find their way around the website and become converting customers. Web design therefore has a major impact on your company's results.

Read more about the importance of good web design on the website here.

What does web design cost?

The price of web design can vary widely based on a number of factors, such as complexity, functionality requirements and the designer's experience. But rather than talking in general terms, we can tell you what web design costs if you shop with us:

  • We offer simple landing pages (all content on 1 page) from 20,000 to larger projects up to 500,000.
  • Our most common projects are in the 100,000-300,000 range, but we also deliver smaller websites with a customized process between 30,000 and 75,000.

We've created a simple calculator that you can use to get a price estimate of what a website will cost you. Test our price calculator here.

How long does web design take?

How long a web design project takes varies depending on its size. With us, the very smallest projects (landing pages) take as little as one to two weeks, while larger projects can take six months or more.

How we work with web design

We plan, design, develop and operate websites and online stores to ensure results for our customers. Whether it's a simple landing page, a website at the heart of your business or an online store with thousands of products, our approach is the same.

Before we can start talking about what to build, we need to know where we're going, who we want to reach and what we want to achieve. We put together a solid strategy, with user experience at the center, lightning-fast pages and functional design. Read more about our website building process here.

Find out if we're a good match for your new project

Contact us here for a chat

Responsive web design is a method of designing websites so that they automatically adapt and look good on all types of devices, from computers to tablets and mobile phones. This is achieved by using flexible layouts that adjust content and design based on the screen size of the user's device.

SEO is important in web design because it helps websites rank higher in search engine results, increasing visibility and attracting more traffic. This can lead to more engagement, more conversions and better business results.

Web designers can have different educational backgrounds. Some are self-taught, while others are educated in graphic design, web design and programming,

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Some of the customers we've worked with

Nor Omega
Maria Mena
Wavemaker
Norwegian Public Roads Administration
Entra
Amfi
Safedrive
Telenor Arena
Lifeline Care
Flogas
Eldorado E-sport
Nor Omega
Maria Mena
Wavemaker
Norwegian Public Roads Administration
Entra
Amfi
Safedrive
Telenor Arena
Lifeline Care
Flogas
Eldorado E-sport