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General Discussion

Gabriel Ward
Gabriel Ward
20,222 Points
Posted by Gabriel Ward
Gabriel Ward
20,222 Points

Are template systems like Squarespace making web designers and developers, obsolete?

I'm studying web design and development, and I'd love to land work at a web design/development company. But I do find it a little nerve wracking when I listen to podcasts, and they often start off with 'Today's episode is sponsored by Squarespace...'

What're people's thoughts on the need for web designers and developers as things like Squarespace proliferate?

2 Answers

missgeekbunny
missgeekbunny
37,033 Points
missgeekbunny
missgeekbunny
37,033 Points

I currently do support for a hosting company and I've seen many people leaving square space because it doesn't have enough options or because it didn't work right for them. It's a basic way to get a website up. If you need any real functionality though it won't meet your needs. Also, you didn't mention it but I know that weebly is another thing like that and I can tell you, it can be a bit buggy which is a turn off. I know from experience. But the code for those sites isn't robust enough to replace a seasoned developer. It's just good for those people who have no clue what they're doing and just want a site up because they've been told that's the way. For anyone who cares about more than just "Oh I've got a site" they will look for something more. In a way it feels like the next stage of "I created a site in dreamweaver"

Gabriel Ward
Gabriel Ward
20,222 Points
Gabriel Ward
Gabriel Ward
20,222 Points

Ok cool, that is really good info to know, thanks malevolentbunny

Michael Bates
Michael Bates
13,344 Points
Michael Bates
Michael Bates
13,344 Points

I totally agree with malevolentbunny. You can't replace a seasoned pro when seeking something more than "oh I've got a site." Same can be said with cheap design services. Paying $5 for a company logo on a logo generator website isn't going to get you much compared to what graphic designers could provide in the long run, in my opinion.

So don't let that fear get to you. There will always be a need for designers and developers for a LONG time.