Web designers will have to rethink their layouts and tactics to accommodate the increasing popularity of the iPad. The massive surge in the use of iPad’s has forced web designers to supplement their current skills in order to deal with the new environment. Likewise, companies recruiting web designers have stared to reconsider what they are looking for in a designer, as found by Brand Digital and Creative, the web design recruitment specialists based in Cambridgeshire.

According to a recent report taken by Gartner, iPad will dominate the PC market in the next four years. It has been estimated that sales for the iPad will quadruple worldwide over the next year with sales of 15 million in 2010 and increasing to 70 million in 2011. This estimated growth in sales has been helped by the launch of the iPad 2 last month. So how will this affect web designers?

One of the most noticeable differences between the iPad and an ordinary laptop or PC is the fact that the user can use it in landscape and portrait mode, therefore web designers will need to develop the website in smart fluid width design so that the two different website layouts can be viewed.

As the iPad is a touch screen, website users will need to be able to easily navigate using their fingers. Hover effects, which are fine for pointer based devices, cannot be used for the iPad. Also links will have to stand out on a page and be easy to click through to ensure smooth user experience.

Another benefit of an iPad is its size and slickness. You no longer have to sit in front of a PC or carry around a heavy laptop. This can be an advantage to the user because they are able to use their iPad inside and outdoors but this does effect colour contrast. The iPad’s screen is glossy and reflects light. Web designers should keep this in mind when devising websites.

The iPad also does not support flash. Web designers are required to use HTML5 which the iPad supports if they wish to use videos and animation.

All of these points should be taken into consideration with current or new websites. Brand Digital and Creative’s recruitment consultant Sara McNaught comments that "we are seeing a new trend of employers across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire looking for web designers who have experience in designing websites for the iPad and mobile devices. As the popularity of these types of technologies increases, the more companies will need to re-consider their website and how it can be viewed and used on a number of different types of computers and laptops."

For web design jobs across the Eastern Region go to: http://www.branddigitalandcreativejobs.co.uk/jobs/show/11/web-designer-jobs