Introduction to Web Design and Development
Quickly learn to plan and prototype simple websites.
This course introduces the foundations of web design and web development, explaining how the web is structured and how designers and developers plan, prototype, and deliver sites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It also covers core UX and UI concepts so learners can evaluate design choices with practical context.
The curriculum balances short, hands‑on coding demonstrations with an overview of no‑code prototyping tools so you can rapidly assess which workflow suits your goals. This approach helps beginners move from concept to a simple, working page while building the vocabulary and confidence to pursue deeper front‑end skills if desired.
At a Glance
Introduction to Web Design and Development is a beginner-level course that introduces how the web is structured and practical approaches to planning and prototyping websites. Jen Kramer teaches the course and covers core web structures, the main front-end technologies, UX/UI basics, and both code and no-code tools to help learners decide how to get started.
| Level | Beginner |
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Duration | 1+ hours |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | Certificate of Completion |
| Access | Access for as long as your subscription is active |
| Course includes |
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| Price | Subscription-based (monthly or annual plans) |
What This Course Teaches
The course frames learning outcomes as practical competencies learners can apply when planning, prototyping, and building simple websites with either code or no-code tools.
Outcomes focus on explainable web architecture, hands-on front-end skills, and the ability to evaluate tooling and deployment options.
How the Course Is Structured
The course is organized as a sequence of short, focused video lessons grouped by topic, with the material presented as a linear syllabus that moves from core concepts to hands-on code and no-code options.
In total the syllabus lists 32 short lessons grouped into six thematic modules plus an introduction and a conclusion, and the full course runs just under two hours.
Curriculum overview
01 Web design and development in the code and no-code era ▾
Introduces the course scope and contrasts coding approaches with no-code alternatives.
02 Understanding clients and servers ▾
Explains the role of client devices and server infrastructure in delivering web content.
03 Understanding the cloud vs. a website ▾
Distinguishes hosted cloud services from individual website hosting and what each is used for.
04 Understanding native apps vs. web apps ▾
Compares native mobile applications with web-based apps and discusses trade-offs.
05 Understanding web browsers ▾
Covers how browsers render HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and why compatibility matters.
06 Understanding user experience (UX) and website planning ▾
Introduces UX concepts used to plan information architecture and user flows.
07 Understanding user interface (UI) design ▾
Reviews visual design principles such as layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.
08 Prototyping tools ▾
Surveys common prototyping tools and demonstrates creating basic interactive mockups.
09 Graphic design tools ▾
Overviews graphic tools used for creating assets and laying out interfaces.
10 Understanding HTML ▾
Explains the role of HTML in structuring page content and semantic markup.
11 Understanding CSS ▾
Describes how CSS controls layout, styling, and responsive presentation.
12 Understanding Java — Script ▾
Introduces JavaScript’s role for interactivity and basic scripting patterns.
13 What is a framework? ▾
Defines frameworks and explains when using one is advantageous for development.
14 Introducing writing code using Code — Pen ▾
Walks through using an in-browser editor to experiment with HTML, CSS, and JS.
15 Writing HTML ▾
Guides learners through composing semantic HTML structures for a simple page.
16 Writing CSS ▾
Demonstrates styling page elements and adjusting layout with core CSS rules.
17 Writing Java — Script ▾
Shows simple DOM manipulation and event handling to add interactivity.
18 Challenge: Write HTML and CSS ▾
A short, guided challenge prompting learners to create a basic page structure and styles.
19 Solution: Write HTML and CSS ▾
Presents a working solution to the challenge and explains key implementation decisions.
20 Choosing an editor for writing code ▾
Compares code editors and recommends workflows for editing HTML, CSS, and JS.
21 Keeping files organized with Git — Hub ▾
Introduces GitHub basics for storing and sharing project files and versions.
22 Choosing a web host ▾
Outlines hosting options and criteria for picking a host for small sites.
23 Registering a domain name ▾
Explains domain registration basics and considerations when choosing a domain.
24 What is the no-code movement? ▾
Defines the no-code movement and where it fits relative to traditional development.
25 All-in-one solutions: Content management systems ▾
Surveys CMS platforms and discusses strengths for publishing and content workflows.
26 Selling things online: Shopping cart solutions ▾
Introduces common e-commerce solutions and considerations for accepting payments.
27 Simple website builders for small sites ▾
Looks at lightweight site builders suitable for simple portfolios and business pages.
28 Complex website builders with fine-grained control ▾
Covers more powerful builders that expose deeper customization and control.
29 Dashboards and databases ▾
Introduces simple data backends and dashboard tools used by no-code and low-code apps.
30 Web app and native app development ▾
Compares building web apps versus native apps and outlines common paths for each.
31 Conclusion ▾
Wraps up key takeaways and suggests next steps for continued learning.
32 Learn more with learning paths ▾
Points to additional learning paths and related courses for deeper study.
Audience & Requirements
The course is aimed at beginners and non-technical professionals who want a practical introduction to how websites are planned, built, and deployed.
Typical learners include aspiring web designers, small-business owners who need simple sites, product or UX professionals wanting web literacy, and hobbyists exploring web-building options.
- Aspiring web designers or front‑end beginners seeking foundational skills.
- Small‑business owners or sole proprietors who want to plan or prototype a site.
- Product managers and UX practitioners who need basic web literacy.
- Hobbyists exploring whether to learn code or use no‑code builders.
- No prior coding experience required.
- Willingness to experiment with a browser‑based editor such as CodePen for in‑lesson exercises.
- Optional: a code editor (for example, Visual Studio Code) if you want to practice locally.
- Optional: a free GitHub account to follow versioning and file‑organization demonstrations.
Final Verdict
Introduction to Web Design and Development is a concise, beginner‑oriented primer that clearly maps the web ecosystem and practical options for building sites; the instructor’s straightforward delivery makes the syllabus efficient for learners evaluating whether to pursue coding or no‑code workflows. It’s a good first step for people who need a clear orientation before committing to deeper, hands‑on study.
Given the course’s favorable reception, the availability of a completion certificate, and that it’s offered through a subscription model, it represents strong value as a low‑effort way to gain web literacy. For those aiming for professional front‑end skills or extensive project work, this should be followed by a longer, project‑based course focused on practical coding practice.
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