Circa 1989, the World Wide Web, came into existence. Initially it was proposed as ‘a global hypertext project’ by Tim Berners-Lee, who was working at CERN. Majority of the browsers then were Unix-based and text heavy.
It was in 1996 that Microsoft created its first browser, and since then there has been a steady evolution in web designing and development. From the basic plain text, to the layout, color, graphics, fonts, content, navigation, multimedia, compatibility, and interactiveness, every aspect is taken into consideration while designing a website.
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flash, all these tool have enhanced the process of creating stunning visuals and graphics for our websites. Although, user interface is an essential part of web designing, there are designing elements that today speak volumes for the success of web designing.
Let’s face the fact that users will never be contented with what they get. The need for a better and enhanced interface will always linger in their minds. Developers will always be striving to fulfill them.
The developments in cellular technology have unlocked sizeable options for developers to ponder on and choose. Today, designing a website is not limited to a desktop. Tablets, i-pads, and smart phones have made the developer go beyond the traditional designing methods.
For an e.g. A website specifically designed for a desktop interface, will not be as effective when loaded on a mobile. Desktop computers have powerful processors, so its convenient to load interactive websites instantly. Sadly, the same can’t be said about smart phones. Although, smart phones are becoming powerful enough to support the latest developments, there are other factors that the developers have to consider while designing.
HTML 5 Dominates
Since its birth, it has been the core technology for the internet and continues to get better. HTML5 has introduced new APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that can be used along JavaScript.
‘FLAT’ STILL RULES
A flat UI is simplistic and clean. It corroborates with the responsive design techniques and helps pages to load faster.
RESPONSIVE DESIGN IS MAKING NEWS
Everyone wants interaction. A responsive design will make the website user-friendly. This is not a trend anymore; in fact it has become a thumb-rule almost.
NAVIGATION-FIXATION
Most of the websites today have a fixed navigating bar. It simplifies so many things. People don’t want to scroll all the way up to the page to explore other areas of the website. A fixed navigation makes it easy and handy to switch to the different pages of the website.
TELLING MONOCHROMES
Why unnecessarily use too many colors when simply a color and its shade can suffice? This designing technique definitely conforms to the needs to create faster loading websites, especially for smart devices.
TYPOGRAPHYS’ GETTING COOLER
Do not mistake flashy fonts for typography. Nobody wants a website that uses too fancy fonts, but at the same time people are bored to see the same old Arials, Helveticas, etc. Using fonts which are creatively sound and yet sober will benefit to the utmost.
A PARALLAX HAS SET IN
This designing technique has surely captivated the user; owing to the sheer exportability and scroll effects, users are definitely enjoying the effects.
Every step taken towards developing new technology to simplify the user experience increases the hunger to explore even more. 2014 has indeed started a new era in web designing, which will only get better.
