New web development trends to address new business needs
8 Top Web Development Trends in 2021
A world where most business is conducted remotely, and companies run their operations online requires continuous technological advances. And technology jumped on the fastest track in 2020 as the soaring pandemic created new demands and enhanced the need for a digital version of most human activities. A challenging time for web developers on whom most of the work depends. And staying on the edge of the latest happenings is the key to success. It is almost implied that developers must produce innovative projects to keep businesses relevant. And a website is so much more than just coding. It literally is the façade of a business, as well as the core of its revenue-generation. That’s why we rounded up 8 of the most trending updates in web development.
Single-page Websites
Just like mask-less meetings, lengthy and complex website structures are long gone. The trend towards simple, single-page websites is already well established. And it is only just beginning. Because more people are using the internet exclusively on their mobile devices, a one-page website makes browsing so much easier. Do you remember when building a page for each topic was a thing? Exactly. That’s why highly optimized single page sites are trending. They have shorter and faster load times, which decreases the bounce rate. Their minimal approach works nicely on desktop and mobile, and they are more cost-effective.
Therefore the content created for such pages is crafted with smart objectives in mind. Simple yet extremely on point for the target audience. Also, since Single Page Application (SPA) fares a better performance at holding a user’s attention, it is definitely on the list of web dev trends in 2021.
Progressive Web App Development
Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are similar to native mobile applications but are in fact, websites. Their goal is to offer the popular mobile-app experience across various devices. They may behave like a regular app, however, data has shown PWAs have higher conversion rates. This is due in part to the fact they are more interactive and responsive. Another edgy advantage is that PWAs don’t need to be downloaded.
Consequently, this commitment-free approach makes people more inclined to use them. Many global brands are now moving towards a hybrid model of native and web apps. If we consider the massive increase in online shopping in 2020, we must also consider that most transactions occurred on mobile devices. That’s why users are happy to have the same experience without the encumbering of yet another app download. And e-commerce sites are not oblivious to this fact. Their goal is to reach wider audiences, without biding this conversion to an app download. It is expected that this rising trend will continue in 2021.
UI Going Dark
Over the years, many devices including mobiles have adjusted their light settings to offer a night-time shade of blue light filters. And the trend picked up for mobile applications and websites. Night and dark themed user interfaces are safer for the eyes. Not only does it greatly reduce eye strain, but it is also easier to read, and consumes less battery. Not to mention, a dark theme is a website fashion statement. Thus, the black pixels popularity keeps growing. And now that internet usage is at an all-time high due to the pandemic, there are many advantages in the wider implementation of this key trend.
The Rise of the AI Chatbots
And here it is, inevitably one of the 8 top web development trends in 2021: the much-anticipated inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into web development. Websites will use AI virtual assistants and chatbots to enhance customer support and offer a better experience to users. Such additions increase engagement and create an instant two-way interaction with website visitors. Which in turn can greatly reduce bounce rates, delays, and unanswered queries. From e-commerce to healthcare, the importance of chatbots is gaining ground. This trend is likely to evolve as virtual assistants become more self-learning and offer true problem-solving answers to consumers.
Voice Recognition and Sound Design
As AI-powered virtual assistants and the Internet of Things (IoT) become more common, web developers pay careful attention to sound design and voice recognition technology.
In alignment with these updates, voice assistants and voice search are on the rise. And such functionalities have a great impact on how developers create a site. They need to make sure websites are fully optimized for voice search and have an effective sound design. Virtual assistants should also be able to tell different people’s voices. From smart speakers to voice e-commerce, this technology is also revolutionizing consumer behavior. This brings us to IoT and the use of voice commands in smart households.
The Internet of Things
The IoT often refers to a network of devices that interact with each other and require minimal involvement from users to perform their functions. And the progress in IoT will eventually redefine web development. This entails an increase in the demand for solutions that scale up security and control over automated IoT interactions. The purpose of this technology is to facilitate human daily life and tasks. From payment automation to smart cities and e-health, routine activities are smoother and physical presence is less and less required. The new trends in web design will address the expansion of IoT, once again integrating voice functionality and big data.
Up, on the Cloud
When we discuss IoT and big data, it is natural to talk about cloud computing. Further advancement for seamless routine activities and a user-centric approach requires growth in cloud computing as well. As data takes over the world of web development, any loss or overloading is critical. Therefore servers will be replaced by more secure cloud technology. Doing so will reduce web development costs and offer safer, more solid web architecture. A big example of the importance of remote data access occurred as the pandemic surged. Businesses relying on the internet to continue their operations realized the need for seamless tools and safe infrastructure.
The Need for Cybersecurity
Finally, all these trends and technological advancements only highlight the growing need for online security. Eventually, as precious data is stored on websites and companies are going digital, more threats will appear. Therefore, applying HTTPS protocols become standard for all web developers. Regular updates to software and safer password protection solutions will continue to evolve.
Cybersecurity and data protection policies go hand in hand as international law takes a particular new look at cybercrimes. Countries are adopting new regulations to protect consumers, users, and businesses against fraud and other threats.
This wraps up our 8 top web development trends in 2021. But stay on the lookout for more news on the latest tech innovations!