With new techniques and technologies emerging every year, it’s important to be sure you don’t fall behind the latest web design trends. Your education, combined with a passion to continue flourishing as a designer, will keep you sharp when it comes time to enter the workforce.
So to help keep you organized in your professional development efforts, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you stay on top of the latest web design trends. These are real tactics that industry experts have shared with us, so pay close attention.
1.Read web design blogs
Keeping tabs on the top web design blogs is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry. But be careful because it’s difficult to determine which trends are worth adopting and which are just a fad. If you notice multiple blogs mentioning the same topic, trend or technique, chances are it’s worth knowing.
Some of the best:
2. Follow industry leaders on Twitter
As an aspiring web designer, it’s always smart to take tips from the pros when you can get them.Twitter is an outstanding tool for getting up-to-the-minute thoughts and ideas from the industry’s biggest names. By following professionals in the field, you get a taste for what they’re working on and the techniques they are using.
Some of the best:
- Jeffrey Zeldman, @zeldman
- Chris Spooner, @chrisspooner
- Brian Hoff, @behoff
- Chris Coyier, @chriscoyier
- Brad Frost, @brad_frost
3. Join professional design organizations
Becoming a member of these organizations has numerous benefits. Not only will you form relationships with other members but you’ll also have unique opportunities to participate in events. Most of these clubs also distribute newsletters highlighting new industry trends.
Some of the best:
- American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
- World Organization of Webmasters (WOW)
- International Webmasters Association (IWA)
4. Participate in design forums
Web design forums provide a unique opportunity to interact with other designers. They can be used to solve problems, learn new techniques and bounce ideas off one another. By participating in these communities, you can hear opinions about new trends.
Some of the best:
5. Attend conferences/networking events
It’s easy to limit your learning to only what can be accomplished behind a computer screen, but attending events offline is invaluable. Not only will you get to hear live speakers present about web design trends, but it’s a great way to network with others in attendance. Rather than merely being known as an avatar, showing your personality face-to-face may help open doors in the future.
Some of the best:
6. Listen to design-related Podcasts
Listening to podcasts is a great way to hear about new techniques and ideas from thought leaders throughout the industry. This is an easy way to introduce yourself to new information and challenge yourself without leaving the comfort of your own home. You can even listen to them while working out or in the car while running errands!
Some of the best:
Read full post here : http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/blog/staying-on-top-of-latest-web-design-trends/
