How to Learn Design as a Web Developer

Jakub T. Jankiewicz

People often ask me how to learn design. And since I'm mostly web developer, I get this question mostly from web developers. I decided to write this blog post to redirect people that ask this question.

In this article, I will show you 7 resources which will help you learn design as a web developer.

So to the point, here is a list of resources where you can learn web design.

  1. Design for Hackers by David Kadavy

Design for Hackers Book Cover

This is the only book on this list that I've read. And I plan to read it again. It's a great intro to design for non-designers. In Poland where I live it's out of print, and hard to get in dead tree format.

  1. Design for Developers by Stephanie Stimac

Design for Developers Book Cover

I've purchased this book from Manning, but I didn't read it yet. The above link is Affiliate, so I get some percent if you buy it. I think that I will get something if you buy anything after visiting the website.

  1. The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams

The Non-Designer's Design Book Cover

This book is also on my list of books to read. Right now you can buy 4th edition, it's always better to buy the latest improved version.

  1. Foundations of Design for Developers by Kathryn Grayson Nanz

Foundations of Design for Developers e-book Cover

This is a free e-book, you need to add your personal details to download.

  1. How To Not Suck At Design For Developers by Joy of Code

Visual design or developers

It's a relatively short Video on YouTube about basics of Design.

  1. How to Make Your Website Not Ugly: Basic UX for Programmers by Hilary Stohs-Krause

How to Make Your Website Not Ugly: Basic UX for Programmers

Another bit longer video which is more about UX, but still shows a bit about how to improve web design and bit about Accessibility.

  1. Learn Web Design For Beginners - Full Course by Flux Academy

Learn Web Design For Beginners - Full Course

This is also a longer video, a 3 hours intro about Web Design for beginners. It don't only explain how to design but contain full process of designing websites.

Summary

I strongly believe that every web developer should learn basics of design, especially if he or she does anything front-end related. Even if that would be really basic. Knowledge about design can be invaluable, especially if you're a new developer, and want to create projects for your portfolio that will stand out. It's always better to show something that looks good.

If you find this article interesting you may want to follow me on Twitter: @jcubic and on LinkedIn.

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