As web designers we focus heavily on skills such as HTML, CSS, and design. However, there are other skills that we should learn too. One I like to describe as the ugly duckling of web design.

The story of the ugly duckling introduces us to a family of cute ducklings and one ugly cygnet. On the face of it the ducklings were the cute ones, the ones we should like. However, by the end we discover that the cygnet grows up into a beautiful swan and outshines the others.

When we start in web design we love the ‘cute ducklings’. We learn things like CSS techniques, interface design and jQuery. However, I believe there is an ugly duckling in our midst. One that will eventually grow into a beautiful swan. That skill is empathy.

Admittedly on face value empathy is not a candidate for such a high accolade. However, I believe it is an essential skill for every web designer.

Read More at Webdesign Tuts+

Ciao!!
Emilie
Ampersand Web Studio