New technology is constantly shaping the world we live in. Improvements in efficiency and interconnectivity have impacted everything from communication and travel to marketing and website design.
It’s hard to believe that the very first website was published only 26 years ago, in 1991. Since the internet went mainstream in the 1990’s, the amount of innovation and advancement that has occurred seems almost incomprehensible.
Today, thanks to the popularity of mobile devices and smart homes, computers are present in almost every aspect of our lives. Here are the top five ways that technology is changing website design.
Responsive Website Design
As consumers use a greater variety of devices to access the internet, responsive websites have become a necessity. In April of 2016, Google made an announcement that changed the web design world. The world’s most popular search engine now favors mobile-friendly websites on its search engine results page (SERP).
Business owners also prefer responsive websites. This is the most cost-effective way for them to reach the largest possible audience. Website developers must get on board with this trend, or they will be left behind.
Contextual Computing
The concept of contextual computing refers to technology learning how to understand its users. Essentially, it’s the use of hardware and software to collect and analyze information about the device’s surroundings. This information is used to provide the end user with relevant, actionable information.
An example of this in website design is a layout that automatically adjusts and optimizes itself when new content is added. In the future, websites may be able to adjust on the fly to provide the best experience for each individual user. This is a significant change from the current static sites that are designed based on site owner preferences.
Conversational Communication
The popularity of texting and instant messaging has evolved. In 2016, active use of chat apps like WhatsApp surpassed social media.
Consumers now use messenger apps for more than communicating with family and friends. They now watch video content, browse merchandise, and connect with their favorite brands.
Website designers now need to incorporate interfaces for chat features. In fact, this is one of this year’s top web development trends. Chats may be powered by artificial intelligence (AI), chatbots, or human operators.
Continued Growth of Visual Media
Video will continue to grow in popularity as a primary marketing medium. Consumers have increasingly short attention spans. Internet users are now far more likely to watch video content than they are to read a page of text.
Forward-thinking website designers will make good use of videos, photos, infographics, and other visual media.
Need for Increased Security
No longer can internet users simply worry about having their computers or smartphones hacked. Today, hackers can invade computer systems located in
- Vehicles
- Smart appliances
- Home security systems
- Baby monitors
- And more
The extreme interconnectivity of devices has created the need for a whole new level of security. Website designers and the intelligence community must continually put forth efforts to stay a step ahead of those with malicious intentions.
Trust the Professionals
Every successful business needs a website, yet all websites are not created equal. Sites that haven’t recently been optimized are likely not doing the best job of engaging customers. Truly effective websites provide an excellent user experience and stand out from the crowd.
At OSO Web Studio, we provide everything you need to create and manage a powerful online presence. Don’t make the mistake of trying to do it all yourself. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
