Findings from the Web Design Survey, 2008
Monday, April 13, 2009
Extra, extra! Read all about it!
It’s finally here – the results from the 2008 Survey for People Who Make Websites. I’ve just started pouring through the data myself, and it appears that things have not changed drastically since the 2007 findings. One thing to note, however, is that this survey was issued before the recent banking/economic crisis, and the numbers related to confidence, salaries and raises may be different now.
The section I always remain the most interested in has to do with skills and skill gaps. They put forward a fairly comprehensive list of all the different things we Web pros are expected to know. I’ve always felt I lacked in the accessibility and project management areas, and its interesting to compare to what others think. I am surprised that SEO ranks so low – I would have thought that particular skill would be more mainstream. Good news for freelancers and consultants who possess that skill, I suppose.
As last year, there are significant skill gaps in both leading edge skills (accessibility testing and information architecture) as well as traditional skills (writing and project management). In comparing the 2008 results to the 2007 results, there is a curious dichotomy: the most prevalent skills have higher percentages than last year, and the skills with the largest gaps have even lower percentages than last year.
Job titles are also of interest. Being a “Webmaster” I’m curious to see how that particular title is faring – it’s been around for a long time in Web terms. But there it is at #4 – not too bad! (OK, this is mostly an exercise in vanity)
Sad to see the gender disparity still so prominent, I wonder if that will ever change. But then I see the high marks for job satisfaction and excitement, and I feel like I’m in good company. You can’t innovate if you aren’t passionate. This is not a field for the unmotivated and complacent.
Onward and upward!
great blog post. Have a fantastic year!