Coding for designers is a hot topic lately. As the industry evolves, more and more designers are finding themselves needing to know at least some coding to create pixel-perfect designs and communicate effectively with developers. But how much should you know? And where do you start?
What is coding, and why do designers need to know it?
When we are looking through a UX researcher job description, we will often see “some coding experience” as a requirement. But what does that mean?
In its simplest form, coding is telling a computer what to do through a programming language.
This can be anything from setting up basic HTML and CSS for a website to more complex applications like video games or software.
Designers need to know at least some coding because it helps them to create better designs and communicate their ideas to developers.
By understanding how code works, they can anticipate problems that might arise during development and prevent them from happening in the first place.
Additionally, being able to code gives designers more control over their work, as they can make small changes directly without having to go through a developer.
How much coding should designers know?
The short answer is: it depends. It depends on the type of design work you do, the company you work for, and your personal preferences.
If you’re a web designer, for example, you’ll need to know at least HTML and CSS. If you’re a graphic designer working on apps, you might need to know some Objective C or Swift.
The important thing is to know enough coding to be able to do your job effectively and efficiently. Beyond that, it’s up to you how much you want to learn.
The basics of coding – what do you need to know to get started?
If you’re starting from scratch, there are a few basics that you need to know to start coding. The first is a text editor, which is where you will write your code. Think of it like a blank Microsoft Word document – it’s where you will put all of your code.
The second is a web browser, which is how you will view your work. The most popular browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
Also, you will need to learn how to use the Developer Tools in your web browser.
These tools allow you to view and edit your code in real-time, which is extremely useful when you’re trying to debug your code or make changes.
The third is the command line, which is how you will run your code. The command line is a text interface that allows you to interact with your computer using text commands. It might seem daunting at first, but once you learn the basics, it’s quite simple to use.
And finally, you need to choose a programming language. This is the actual code that you will write in your text editor. Some common programming languages for designers are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
If you want to get started with coding, the best way is to find a tutorial or course online that will teach you the basics. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can start practicing by coding small projects on your own.
How can designers learn to code?
There are a few different ways that designers can learn to code. The first is to find resources online, such as tutorials, courses, or books.
There are many great resources out there that can help you learn the basics of coding.
For example, Codecademy offers a great introductory course on HTML and CSS. Also, the web is full of free learning management systems like W3Schools, which offers tutorials on a variety of different programming languages.
Another way to learn is to find someone who already knows how to code and ask them to teach you.
This can be a friend, colleague, or even a professional tutor. The benefit of learning from someone else is that they can answer any questions you have and help
Also, consider attending a coding Bootcamp. These are intense, short-term programs that will teach you everything you need to know about coding in a matter of weeks.
Bootcamps can be expensive, but they’re a great way to learn if you’re serious about becoming a developer.
Finally, another way to learn is simply to jump in and start coding. This can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s a great way to learn by doing.
Start with something small, such as coding a basic HTML page, and then work your way up to more complex projects.
Tips for integrating coding into your workflow
If you’re a designer who wants to start coding, there are a few things you can do to integrate it into your workflow.
First, try to find small ways to incorporate coding into your existing work. For example, if you’re working on a web design project, you can add HTML and CSS code to your design files.
This will help you to get a better understanding of how code works and how it can be used to improve your designs.
Second, take some time to learn the basics of coding. As we mentioned before, there are many great resources available online that can help you get started.
Once you’ve learned the basics, you can start practicing by coding small projects on your own.
Third, try to find ways to automate your work with code. For example, if you’re a web designer, you can use CSS to create responsive designs that resize automatically for different screen sizes. This can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Coding is a great way to add new skills to your toolkit and expand your creativity. So try out new things and see what works for you.
Resources for learning more about coding as a designer
We already mentioned a few great resources for learning to code, so, if you’re interested in learning more about coding for designers, here are some resources to help you get started:
• Skillshare offers a few courses on the subject, including “Coding for Designers: How Much Should You Know?” and “Web Design for Non-Coders”.
• The AIGA has a great article called “Designers Should Code” that offers a variety of tips and resources for designers who want to learn to code.
• Invision has a blog post called “5 Reasons Every Designer Should Learn to Code” that offers some great reasons why designers should learn to code.
• And finally, Google’s “Developers” site has a wealth of resources for designers who want to learn to code, including tutorials, articles, and tools.
Final words
Coding is a great skill for designers to learn, and it can open up a whole new world of possibilities in your work
So if you’re interested in learning to code, we encourage you to check out some of the resources we’ve listed above. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment.
The more you code, the better you’ll become at it. And who knows, you might just surprise yourself with what you can create.
Have any questions or comments about coding for designers? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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