Web front end development is one of the fields in IT that combines technical-analytic knowledge with creative skills. Aside from coding with CSS or JavaScript, front end developers are also often tasked to explore their visual arts capabilities, which is what digital design is all about. So, if you’re planning to become a front end developer, you should add some creative sparkle to your knowledge base by integrating basic (digital) design skills.
Actually, web front end development is considered a multi-discipline. Most companies prefer to hire front end developers who are adept not only in coding but also in digital psychology and design. Understanding color theory & visual patterns, and their effect on the user are important.
Knowledge of typography is also essential. Why is this type better than the previous one I use? Which types do visitors react positively the most? These are just some of the design-related questions that a web front end developer often deals with.
Why Knowledge and Understanding of Design Matters
A web front end developer’s primary job is coding and ensuring that a website’s front-end – a.k.a the one that viewers see and react to – is engaging and capable of generating interest leading to conversions. So, why should a front end developer possess and nurture design skills? The answer is simple: a developer who understands and knows how to apply even the basic design factors creates a front end that positively impacts users and their choices.
Additionally, combining technical and analytical expertise with creative skills catapults a front end developer’s portfolio ahead of other developers.
How to Add Creativity to Web Front End Projects
So, how can a web front end developer add creativity to projects? Here are some simple tips and suggestions.
1. Practice first then practice more.
Before anything else, find time to practice. There are several ways you can do this.
- Use free online tutorial websites like freeCodeCamp.org. You can ask questions and view tutorials on various front end development-related matters.
- Clone a website that you like. Creating a clone of a website is a good way to practice not only your technical skills but also your creativity. Find time to explore your chosen website. Take note of essential elements like typography, colours, media, content, and structure. If this is your first time coding, choose a site that has a simple CSS and HTML configuration. Pick only JavaScript website if you already have significant coding experience.
- Join Startechup Academy. It’s a community of front and back end web developers. You can ask for tips, advises, and suggestions from the experts. You can also join its scheduled livestream on YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch. All these are for FREE.
2. Pay attention to typography and colour theory.
The fonts and colours you use for a website greatly impacts its visitors. There are specific guidelines for using fonts – and applying colour theory is highly recommended. Here are some examples you should consider:
For fonts:
- If you want a professional-like appearance and effect, use simple fonts.
- For a classic or timeless look, use display or traditional fonts.
- For light and fun websites, choose playful fonts.
You can have two fonts on a single page as this helps create beautiful contrast. However, take note of proper font pairing. For example, do not pair an old or traditional font with another traditional font. Check out several online resources for the best font pairs.
For colours:
- For professional or corporate websites, stick to using toned down or light colours.
- If you want to be consistent in your branding, use the brand’s official colours.
- To create a dramatic feel, go for contrasting dark colours.
- For a positive and energetic effect, choose bright and cheerful colours.
3. Create enough negative space.
The word “enough” is specified because too much negative or white space is not good for any website. A negative space is what you call that empty area between page elements (such as photos). If you have the right amount of white space, the website will achieve the following:
- Less cluttered look, and elements stand out easily because of the negative space between them.
- More balanced because the elements are evenly spaced. The central area has more relevant content and the edges are freed of clutter.
- Margin is more prominent, which makes pages look clean and organised.
4. Add the right icons and images.
Creative web front end projects need visually stimulating and engaging icons and images. So, you should add some to the website you are creating. You can start by adding a menu icon.
If you do not have enough high-quality images, you can download some royalty-free photos from Pixabay. Don’t forget to consider the overall theme of the website, as well as the colour scheme. Your chosen images should match with or compliment them.
5. Animate – but not too much.
Regardless of the type of website you are designing, visitors are bound to be attracted to anything visual. Animation is visually entertaining, so you should consider adding some to the site. It is important to note, though, that too much of it can be distracting or irritating, so be sure to add just the right type and amount.
Challenge your creativity by creating an interactive image that animates when users hover over it. You can also add simple animations to buttons when viewers click on it. You just have to explore your creative juices to add some visual elements to your web front end projects.
These are just some of the best – and doable – ways for a developer to turn web front end projects into creative masterpieces. Actually, the trick is to keep practicing and creating. The only way a front end developer can improve both his or her coding and design skills is to keep practicing. Coding is, in itself, already creative, yet in a technical way. So, your programming skills are already in you; you only need to bring them out and nurture them.
