October 18, 2007
Answer Me This
Back in April of 2007, A List Apart conducted their annual Web Design Survey. Were you a part of it? I took the time to fill out the survey. Who doesn’t love surveys? The results are finally in. Kudos to the rock kids at Happy Cog for supplying this lovely document, rich with content and information. And thanks to Jason for busting out the design all over.
I wanted to comment on a few things. Just observations.
- The average age favors the 25-32 demographic quite heavily. I’m right there. Seems I’m average. Regardless, I guess I was expecting a greater slant to even younger.
- I’m not surprised, yet still a little shocked at the overwhelming percentage towards men. I think we’re all aware our industry is still rather dominated by males, but this is almost scary.
- At 84.6%, unfortunately our industry seems to lack what we desire most — diversity. Having grown up in Miami, which is practically a Latin American city, I’m used to being the minority. So to see white people take up so much of the industry is damn near scary. Nothing exactly wrong with this, but sadly ironic considering what we strive for (art = diversity).
- Geographically, I was expecting a more equal footing between the US and UK. I was wrong.
- It’s good to see so many designers out there with a Bachelor’s (51.6%), but it’s surprising to see so few with a Master’s. Like I’m one to talk.
- There are quite a few designers who are working independently. This is a good thing. I hope to be a part of that elite group some day.
- There are a helluva lot of designers working new jobs. At 32.2% (the highest in that poll), I was expecting less. Does it mean we tend to jump around different jobs more frequently? Or is it just coincidence? I’m still of the thought that any job worth taking is worth spending at least 1-2 years pursuing. Commitment still means something, even if this wacky industry.
- Holy crap, 9.8% of us have held “more than 10” jobs?! Is that good ol’ fashioned experience? Or mindless job-hopping?
- Per salary, it’s reassuring to see the greatest hike at $40,000-$59,999. In school, my peers tended to assume our line of work didn’t pay much (“we’re in this for the love!”)… you are what you’re worth.
- Kind of surprising to see the perceived gender bias slanted greatly towards “Definitely not”. That’s a good thing, and I’m pretty sure I felt the same way. Unfortunately, judging by the overwhelming (and real, apparently) gender and ethnic results, perhaps a slight bias truly does exist. Maybe not.
- There are quite a few more women writers than anything else. In my little experience around firms thus far, I have definitely met many more female writers. Don’t know why that is. Men can’t spelll?
- Time to become an information architect for the big bucks.
- The relevance of education is split. Personally, from what I’ve seen, I don’t think a design education is necessary. All that matters is the portfolio. I concede school can form quite a good portfolio, but that all depends on the amount of effort you put in. The same can be accomplished outside of school. Ambition is key, the roads less taken are different. On the other hand, does an education in our field equal higher salary? I’m on the fence about that one.
- A government job seems to last longer than any other. Time to apply for an information architect position at the CIA. I hear they’re in need.
- One of the most interesting points, yet one buried on page 49, is job satisfaction by age. The older you are the more satisfied you become, judging by the results. I just find this really interesting. As life experience gains more, we’re more at ease with ourselves.
- Blogging results? We all do it. Blogging is like getting a tattoo these days. You’re more unique by not doing it. Guess I’m generic.
- A perceived gender bias among full-time black workers seems to be the most prevalent. Considering whites take up over 80% in this survey, I can understand the slant, unfortunately.
- We’re all very well-informed individuals. Thus, none of us much care for Bush. I’m guessing.
- Mental note: work on your writing and accessibility skills. They seem to be the most lacking out of all skills asked. I’m currently teaching myself Javascript. Next up, brush up on writing. Then again, I think we should constantly teach ourselves new skills. It’s supposed to keep the brain as fresh as a deli sandwich.
These are just some honest reactions to the information. I seem to dwell a little more on ethnic and gender information. Don’t know why. Maybe growing up in Miami I’m a little more tuned in to how different ethnicities react to one another (aka, friction). In the end, I think we all want to strive towards an equal balance of all things.
It’s quite an eye-opening survey, and an interesting read. Dedicate 15-20 minutes of your day to scan through. It’s a massive survey, but well worth a look.
Many thanks again to the people of A List Apart and Happy Cog for putting it all together.
Clamoring
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