Web design refers to the content which is published to create and maintain web sites. Often web sites can be interactive, featuring media such as video and music that streams when a visitor goes to a specific web site. There are two categories of web sites: static and dynamic. Static pages generally stay the same regardless of who is visiting the site, unless the web designer physically makes changes. Dynamic sites have content which can change depending on when the user visits the site. Generally those types of sites require additional programs in order to run the extra content, such as Java or Flash.
Web design is a rapidly growing market which requires that the designer be well versed in programming languages, such as ASP, PHP, Perl, and others, in order to create up to date and visually appealing sites. Web design has been compared to print publishing because of the steps that are required in creating a web site. Sites display information, and the designer is in charge of how exactly the information is presented.
Average web sites generally incorporate four aspects to ensure the site is functional for all users. The first is content, which must appeal to the individuals that the website is trying to reach; the second is how usable the site is and its reliability; the third is appearance, which must be consistent throughout and appeal to users of all ages and demographics; and the fourth is structure, or how all of the pages on the site fit together. Incorporating all four of these elements is crucial to making sure that the site will always work, regardless of who visits it, and that anyone who stumbles across the information will be able to understand and navigate effectively. This will allow the site to be profitable and useful for the business or individual who is marketing themselves through the Internet.