Over in the 9rules notes there was a discussion about whether a professional organisation for web designers could or even should exist. It’s something I’ve thought about before and in principle I agree with – the problem is the application as with so many things. A valid point is also the way things like certification and so on are watered down often in the process of membership. The thing is there are existing certifications for the industry it’s just none has even either gained enough take up rate or has managed to become the ‘standard’.
I’d be interested in knowing anyone’s opinions on this. You don’t have to work in the industry to have an opinion. After all trade certification isn’t just about those in the industry it’s about protecting and knowing as a client what you are going to get. After all wouldn’t this be a good thing in web design? That being said how exactly can you quantify what a good designer is? Of course you can say can do x in y and so on but there is that element of ‘design’ that is so subjective I don’t know if beyond seeing a portfolio you can judge it. If so who should? Even some starting point of can do x and y is more than we have currently. I still think it is a valid and desirable option, it’s more the application of this and how it would happen that is the big one.
I think it would be fabulous to have an organization I could point people to to prove my talent and skill. It’s so hard to describe to clients who neither know nor care what web standards are what they’re getting when they hire me vs. what they’re getting when they hire someone who does table layouts and uses non-semantic code.
But, of course, it’s the implementation of such an organization and the ongoing maintenance that’s the real problem.
All this rules are really important which teaches us all the skills and the point need to follow strictly to get the logicality of the design.
@Saad: I agree it’s the actual application of such a thing that has me beat. BritPack even though was not set up to stand for such a thing has become as a result. I don’t know of any Brit webbie that wouldn’t want to be a member (I know I would). I think though it should be something more than a country specific thing – that probably only adds to the problems though. The thing is I don’t just work for UK companies – that is the point of the web in many respects you aren’t tied to your country.
@NatalieMac: Yes it’s again the old chestnut of application. There really seems to be a fair few want something so that is a good starting point. The organisation of such a thing would be mind boggling though.
It’s interesting that a lot of the anti arguments I’ve heard in the past just don’t seem to be coming up lately. Maybe it’s a sign of the times that we all are either fed up of the wild west web attitude or maybe it’s just the industry maturing. I think a bit from both corners.
@Saad: well I’ve heard many arguments (some more vague than others) against.
1. It will never happen due to pay structure – slightly invalid as I don’t think rates of pay should be even something this has to do with. Although the varying prices of web designers are potentially a problem for clients. I think the majority do charge about the same and usually this argument is from the too much or too little charging camp.
2. That it will make it harder to get into the industry. I really find this is a mute topic. I think everyone knows to get into web isn’t hard it’s the staying that is. I think also it would help those looking to get in. Mentoring and support comes from these organisations.
3. The exclusivity stick has also been waved about over this. I think this is a mute topic also.
Like I said I haven’t recently seen any of these or other oppositions being raised so it may indeed be a sign of the times that something needs to be done.
Whilst I am writing this I am starting to think of very few reasons why it shouldn’t happen. It’s the kicking off that is the point really. Maybe it’s time there was less talk and more action…
I think it would be a good idea to have some kind of encompassing organisation for web designers and developers alike – which can set its own benchmarks based upon what a prospective employer would require in a webby. Something like the system that is in place for the RHS or somesuch, where professionals and skilled amateurs alike can take graded certification off their own back or through employers to (im)prove their knowledge and show that they at least have a grounding in the subject.
No course can teach design – its not a quantifiable ‘skill’ – but I suspect it would help the industry no end if a internationally recognised qualification from a recognised organisation could be gained which would demonstrate that ‘this person knows the basic skills of how to make a solid, useable website’. How that could be done though is anybodys guess given that the ways the people believe a site should be made differ so wildly in practice.