Web design can be a lucrative career and even flexible. But when you work for a company, it can be challenging to do your job. From unrealistic deadlines to unideal budgets — it can be frustrating.
Though each person’s situation is different, many similar factors are at play. These typically relate to workplace stress and employee satisfaction. Here are the most common complaints that web designers tend to have about their jobs.
1. Design Constraints
Web design is a highly creative job, allowing designers to fuel their artistic and innovative side to produce compelling products.
Yet, oftentimes, an employer will impose restrictions related to the project’s process, style guidelines and other aspects of the project that are truly out of the ordinary. In turn, this can stifle creativity.
Design constraints aren’t always a negative thing, even though there are limitations that may seem to undermine originality. One way to overcome this challenge is by looking at it creatively.
When one door closes, designers must embark on an opportunity that’s a win-win for everyone.
2. Unclear Feedback
Whether you’re receiving feedback from your employer or directly from the client — this can be the most challenging part. That’s because clients struggle to communicate their vision. Or, they don’t consider it at all.
Most of the time, they leave it up to the web designer to figure it all out — leaving you with your hands tied while trying to create the perfect website.
The best way to get around this is to ask your boss or the client questions — and ensure they give you a clear answer. Keep pushing the client further if they’re avoiding the question until you get the necessary information.
3. Vague or Misleading Instructions
Many employers need to communicate with web designers. Typically, they fail at this because they don’t know about web design or the metrics associated with it. This can lead to vague ideas about project tasks and complicate the job further.
Though it can be truly frustrating for the designer, it’s their job to understand the project’s vision, expectations and requirements. Web designers must care about what the client wants to ensure they are satisfied.
Therefore, asking questions that conclude their expectations for the job is helpful.
4. Unrealistic Deadlines
Every good design takes time — from planning the layout to organizing elements. And when working as an employee of a web design company, there are clear expectations about how many hours they expect you to work to complete the project.
Even if you know how much time to spend on each task, it can be challenging to handle how long a project should take until it’s near completion.
To prevent this from happening, follow these tips below:
- Estimate how long each phase of the project will take at best. This gives everyone a realistic expectation for when they will complete the project.
- Estimate for yourself how long certain tasks should take. This should give you enough time for other things to work on before the deadline.
5. Shoestring Budgets
Web design agencies that work with clients can come across inadequate budgets. Most clients want a completed project at a fraction of the usual cost. It’s another aspect that hinders designers’ abilities to create freely.
Though every web designer dreams of a limitless budget, it’s never a reality that happens in life. Web designers should think of this as another design constraint. What can they do to get past the challenge or provide a solution?
The first thing they should think about is what the budget allows for within the project. Consider making those the key priorities when making your sections, using graphics and plug-ins to elevate the website’s experience.
Working Successfully as a Web Design Employee
As you can see, web designers have many complaints about their employers. While these complaints aren’t necessarily bad, they indicate areas where you can make improvements.
If you find yourself nodding along with some of these points, you have the information you need to improve the outcomes for all parties involved.
