Design Fundamentals
Plain-English explainers on what things are, how they differ, and what actually matters when you're briefing or evaluating design work, covering web design, digital design, print design, brand identity, sitemaps, CMS, and UI vs UX.
Design fundamentals
What Is Web Design? A Beginner's Guide
Web design shapes how a website looks, functions, and guides visitors to act. Learn what it involves and how it differs from development and graphic design.
Design fundamentals
What Is Digital Design?
Digital design applies graphic design principles to screens and interaction. Here is how it differs from graphic design and from web design, explained clearly.
Design fundamentals
What Is Print Design?
Print design is graphic design built for physical production. Here's what it covers, and the production constraints that set it apart from digital design.
Brand identity
What Is Brand Identity?
Brand identity explained: what it actually includes, how it differs from brand strategy and a style guide, and why it matters when commissioning design work.
Design fundamentals
What Is a Sitemap in Web Design?
In web design, a sitemap is a diagram mapping every page on a site and how they connect, built before design or development starts. Here's why it matters.
Design fundamentals
What Is a CMS in Web Design?
A plain-English guide to how content management systems work, why they matter, and how they differ from static websites.
Design fundamentals
UI vs UX Design: What's the Difference?
UI and UX design aren't the same job. Here's what each discipline actually covers, where they overlap, and why briefing the wrong one costs businesses money.
Looking for something else? AI and design covers honest comparisons of AI design tools, and working with a designer covers cost, briefing, and process.