Digital design has become more important and more relevant than ever before. It's a term that includes everything from any kind of design that is available in digital format. This can include mobile apps, websites, and more. What it doesn't include is traditional media and print.
There was a user on Quora that gave it a very narrow definition that describes it well. Retika Gore says digital design [ultimately] refers to content that is created and produced for being viewed on a screen.
In a world that has become so digitalized, if you are getting into design, you're likely going to be doing digital work at some point. No matter if you are a graphic designer, UX designer, or something else - you'll want to know how to use and leverage digital design software and how to create digital designs to boost your career potential. For readers looking for a 'creative design studio' see here.
How Is Print Design Different From Digital Design?
While these things may seem rather similar looking at them, they are very different. Certain things make these types of designs very different.
1. Deliverables
One of the biggest differentiating factors is the deliverables. Because these designs appear in different places, a designer needs to know and understand what kind of deliverables they'll need to provide.
A digital designer may create the following:
- Banner advertising
- Infographics
- Logos
- UX wireframes
- Elements for a website
A print designer may create the following:
- Magazine spreads
- Brochures
- Catalogs
- Printed advertisements
- Business cards
If you are aiming to become a digital design professional, you will want to know about some of the tasks you'll be asked to accomplish. You want to look closely at the various tasks like creating banner advertisements that have standardised formats. You will also find that some of the other projects you will be working on will require specialised skills that go above and beyond the general knowledge of design. For instance, if you are crafting an infographic, you will need to look at how to effectively display the data that you are incorporating for easy online viewing.
2. How Analytics Play a Role
One of the main differences in digital design is the role of analytics in it. One of the biggest reasons digital marketing and advertising has become so popular is because it's so easily trackable.
It can be increasingly difficult to measure the performance of any printed material like a flyer or even a brochure. Whereas, if you create digital advertisements, you can look at various analytics that automatically gets tracked. These things can give you plenty of information that can be used to optimise your campaigns.
As someone that is a digital designer, you are likely going to find yourself being held accountable for creating some of the best converting designs. Not only will you be tasked with creating something visually appealing and that looks good, but you will need it to convert and drive engagement. You will likely have to do a bunch of split testing to measure how different designs perform.
3. Interactivity In Design
Another big difference in digital design is its interactivity.
It can be very difficult to make a printed design interactive. Whereas, a lot of digital designs are interactive. While some will be static images like infographics, you will find other designs like web designs that will involve users interacting with your design elements.
This type of design is much more complicated than a completely static design. Not only do you need your design to be friendly on the eyes and be attractive, but you need it to be easy-to-use and navigate. This is the primary focus for anyone that is a UX designer.
Graphic Designers
This can be a very general term. However, it typically refers to those that are creating static images. Whether you create digital advertisements, infographics, logos, or reports - you are working with static images. Because of this, they are typically most concerned with the perception of the branding, aesthetics, and readability of their designs.
