Coding for Designers – How Much Should We Know?
Mar 1, 2023
Design
As the lines between design and development continue to blur, the question of how much coding knowledge a designer should have has become increasingly pertinent. In this ever-evolving digital landscape, is it crucial for designers to add coding to their skill set? And if so, to what extent? Let's delve into these questions.
The Intersection of Design and Code
Designers and developers have long operated in parallel universes. But in recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on bridging the gap between these two domains. Understanding the basics of coding can allow designers to better communicate with developers, create more feasible designs, and have greater control over the final product.
Steve Jobs once said, "Everybody in this country should learn to program a computer because it teaches you how to think." Beyond the practical applications of coding knowledge, learning to code can also enhance a designer's problem-solving skills.
Coding Essentials
HTML/CSS: HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are fundamental to web design. HTML provides the structure of a webpage, while CSS controls the visual appearance. Understanding these languages enables designers to create designs that are feasible in the realm of web development.
JavaScript: A knowledge of JavaScript can elevate a designer's capabilities, allowing them to add interactive elements to their designs and understand the dynamic aspects of a webpage.
Responsive Design: With an increasing variety of screen sizes and resolutions, it's crucial to understand how to design for different displays. A basic understanding of responsive design code can ensure that your designs look great on any device.
Beyond the Basics
While the languages mentioned above are key to web and app design, designers could also benefit from knowledge in other areas, depending on their specific roles:
Prototyping Tools:
Knowledge of tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD can allow designers to create high-fidelity prototypes that mimic real interactions. These tools often employ a form of visual coding that bridges the gap between design and development.
Version Control Systems:
Familiarity with version control systems like Git can be beneficial for working in larger teams or on more complex projects.
Coding Is Not a Requirement
Coding knowledge can undoubtedly make a designer more versatile and can open up new opportunities. However, it's important to remember that it's not a prerequisite for a successful design career. Design is a broad field with many specialties, and it's ultimately about problem-solving and communication. As designer Jeff Gothelf puts it, "The better the designer understands the medium they're designing for, the better their work will be."
Coding skills are a tool, they can enhance your work and expand your toolkit, but they don't define you as a designer. The depth of coding knowledge a designer should have ultimately depends on their individual career goals, the demands of their specific role, and their passion for learning new technologies.
SUMMARY
Knowing how to code can be a significant advantage, but it should not overshadow the fundamental principles of design - problem-solving, empathy, and effective communication. To quote designer Josh Brewer, "Understanding how to code is the starting point of a deeper understanding of the problem. It’s about broadening our skill set while focusing on what we do best."
Sources:
"Steve Jobs: Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer," Lost Interview.
"Better Product Design Through a Designer's Understanding of Medium," Jeff Gothelf.
