CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Outcome 3 By Diane Rowley
Technology One of the biggest technology developments in Web Design was the progression of HTML. Over the years, HTML has been upgraded several times. It was first released in 1995 and since then, HTML has become one of the first choices for web developers because it offers the same features as flash but more. HTML5 has become extremely popular with Web Designers because it is able to run on nearly every CPU platform. It’s also open source which means it’s able to surpass the security issues that affects most of the competitors. The stability of HTML5, unlike most of the competitors, it is integrated into the web browser and doesn’t require a separate plug in. Plug in’s tend to cause a variety of issues and adds strain to your CPU. Another major development in this career path would be programs such as the Adobe suite. This software is updated often and is progressing rapidly. These continuous developments mean that designers are now able to complete work in a fraction of the time it used to take.
Key Issues Software Licensing Software Licensing is a contract that allows use of or redistribution of software. All software is copyright protected, except material in the public domain. However, not everyone will purchase software packages legitimately as it’s too easy to find illegal copies on the internet. Copyright Laws & Practice Copyright Laws and practice within the Web Design sector are extremely important. Without these Laws in place your work could be taken, used illegally and for any purpose that has not been intended. Copyright Laws ensure that your work is protected under the Copyright act for a minimum of 10 years, and a maximum of 50 years until death of the creator, these laws can be placed onto any work you create to prevent it being used by anyone else. Intellectual Property Rights In this career area, going public with our work means we have no way of preventing others from using our designs, photos or other artwork without being paid or at least offering credit for our creations. Intellectual property rights means that we’d be able to protect and have exclusive rights over any of our designs.
Health & Safety Statutory regulations in workplace Since 31 st December 1995, all new and existing workplaces are expected to follow the Workplace Regulations These regulations are general requirements on accommodation standards for all work places. They’re made up of health & safety requirements. Breach of the regulations by an employer, controller of work premises or occupier of a factory is a crime with a fine of up to £400. If convicted, the offender can be sentenced to an unlimited fine.
Health & Safety Safe use of computers & other equipment The obvious issue for Web Designers would be to ensure that the equipment being used is safe to use. This should be checked daily to ensure that there are no electrical faults with the equipment. It’s also important to ensure that a great deal of care is taken so that there are no liquids spilled on the electrical equipment, as this could cause fires and injury to the user. There are several other issues such as ensuring your workspace is clear and spacious to avoid any accidents. Posture & Eye care Posture & Eye care are the 2 biggest health risks for this type of career. They can have a huge impact on your life if you do not take regular breaks from the PC, or if you are sitting incorrectly. Constantly staring at a PC can damage your eye sight, and slouching at a PC for several hours can damage your back.
Business Advice Business start-up advice Support in this sector could come from organisations such as Business Gateway and HMRC who both offer lots of help / advice and financial support for new businesses. They give financial advice and also suggest how to raise money for your business and how or where to apply for a grant to finance your new business. They also give advice on tax and payroll issues related to your business. They provide information about employment legislation and where to get information on all things legal related to new businesses. They give advice on the sales and marketing aspect and how they can help your business grow. These websites also give key information on how to effectively present your company’s e-commerce.
Business Advice Grants and Loans Whether you’re a new business or an established business, it’s important to identify your finance options. The government provides support to business financially, however getting the financial support can be tough as there will be strong competition and the criteria for grants can be hard to meet. The main groups that currently award grants are listed below: The Government The European Union Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise Local authorities or local councils and local development agencies Business Gateway provides more information on grants and financial support.
Associations, Societies, Unions There are several industry and professional associations, societies, guilds, associations’ and unions that support working in Web Design. UKWDA This association helps in the Web Design community by allowing web designers to communicate with each other as well as provide support and be able to give advice to one another within the forums. Using the forum means you’d be able to share experiences with other Web Designers, discuss legal issues or simply find the best hosting deals available on the internet. UKWDA is one of the biggest places for discussion regarding Web Design. This is a place for all Web Developers to become a member and take advantage of their expertise and knowledge.
Associations, Societies, Unions CHARTERED SOCIETY OF DESIGNERS Members of the Society are encouraged to set up Focus Groups in order to: network and share experience, knowledge and best practice, assist professional development, benefit the community or simply just to socialise. Focus Groups are normally set up to support a particular geographical area but others may focus on a design discipline or design related topic.