What are the best ways to troubleshoot and solve web design problems using software?

1 Use browser developer tools

Browser developer tools are built-in features that allow you to inspect and modify the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code of any web page. You can use them to debug errors, test different styles, measure loading speed, and simulate different devices and screen sizes. To access browser developer tools, you can right-click on any element of the web page and select "Inspect" or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows) or Cmd+Option+I (Mac). You can then use the different tabs and panels to explore and edit the code, view the console messages, and check the network activity.

2 Use code editors and validators

Code editors and validators are software applications that help you write and check the quality of your web code. Code editors provide features such as syntax highlighting, auto-completion, indentation, formatting, and debugging tools that make your code easier to read and write. Validators are tools that check your code for errors, warnings, and compliance with web standards and best practices. You can use online validators such as W3C Markup Validation Service, W3C CSS Validation Service, and JSHint, or install plugins or extensions for your code editor that perform validation tasks.

3 Use web design frameworks and libraries

Web design frameworks and libraries are collections of pre-written code and resources that provide you with ready-made components, templates, and functions for web design. They can help you save time, avoid common errors, and achieve consistent and professional results. Some of the most popular web design frameworks and libraries are Bootstrap, Foundation, Materialize, jQuery, React, and Angular. You can use them to create responsive layouts, interactive elements, animations, and more. However, you should also be careful not to overuse them or rely on them too much, as they can affect your web page's performance, customization, and originality.

4 Use web design testing tools

Web design testing tools are software applications that help you evaluate and improve the functionality, usability, and accessibility of your web design. They can help you identify and fix issues such as broken links, spelling mistakes, compatibility problems, layout glitches, color contrast errors, and accessibility barriers. Some of the web design testing tools that you can use are Link Checker, WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool, BrowserStack, Responsinator, and Color Contrast Analyzer. You can use them to test your web design on different browsers, devices, screen sizes, and user scenarios.

5 Use web design feedback tools

Web design feedback tools are software applications that help you collect and analyze feedback from your web design's users or clients. They can help you understand how your web design is perceived, used, and valued by your target audience. They can also help you identify and prioritize areas for improvement, enhancement, or modification. Some of the web design feedback tools that you can use are SurveyMonkey, UserTesting, Hotjar, Usabilla, and Feedbackify. You can use them to create and distribute surveys, polls, questionnaires, or forms, or to record and analyze user behavior, interactions, and comments on your web design.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?