Why Web Design is like Urban Planning

If you follow our newsletter, you probably know that my other love is urban planning. I was thinking about why I'm interested in both software development and urban planning, and I realize that they're similar in quite a few ways:

Creating Interest in Context

Think about the last time you were walking or driving down the street and you thought to yourself "hmmmm, that's nice". You were probably looking at something interesting or out of the ordinary, like a flowering tree, an ornate building, or a lively street scene. You were probably not looking at something too out of the ordinary, like a giant skyscraper in a small town, or a road that unexpectedly turns 120 degrees, or a dead end on a highway.

Web designers and urban planners are always trying to create interest, since websites and streetscapes are competing for our attention in order to sell us things. However, the thing that grabs your attention must make sense in the context of the space. Can a driver still get around without getting lost? Can an online shopper still find the "buy" button? Striking this balance is a fascinating and ongoing challenge in both contexts.

Complex Problem Solving

The problems of urban planning or web development are rarely simple. It is rarely the case that "if you do A, then B will happen". Rather, it's more common that "if you do A, B might happen. Or C might happen. Or D might happen. But that depends on X, Y, and Z." These are often the most complicated problems to solve because you have to estimate the factors and the weighted impact of each. But they're also the most fun!

Emphasis on Communication

For the type of work I'm interested in, the issues are rarely truly technical. I am not trying to invent a flying car. Or trying to write a new algorithm that nobody has come up with yet. For most issues in e-commerce and urban planning, the technological solutions already exist. The challenge is understanding the trade-offs for investing in these solutions, and managing the constraints of limited budget, resources, and times.

I think strong communication skills are some of my greatest strengths, and I really enjoy the process of helping people understand concepts that may not be familiar to them. This could be helping them select which review app to implement on their Shopify site or helping them understand how a new bus network can impact their community.

As I go to my Master's Program in the fall, I look forward to continuing to develop these skills!

Bennett