We at Digit love to keep up with the latest tech. We are the very definition of early adopters. But looking at trends is also important for our clients who endeavor to stay ahead of the competition and provide a high-quality user experience to their customers. Here are some of the top trends in web development for 2023 and beyond:
- Progressive Web Applications (PWAs): PWAs are web applications that function like native mobile apps, offering offline functionality and fast performance. PWAs are a great option for businesses looking to provide a seamless user experience to their customers, regardless of whether they are using a desktop or mobile device. Furthermore, recent standards for allowing websites (or PWAs) to access the operating system directly outside of the browser’s domain promise a whole host of new web capabilities impossible until now.
- Single-page Applications (SPAs): SPAs are web applications that load a single HTML page and dynamically update the content within that page, rather than reloading the entire page for each new request like we are used to with traditional web browsing. SPAs provide a fast and seamless experience for users, making them a popular choice for businesses that offer complex functionality (think fintech, gaming, military applications).
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are becoming increasingly important in the world of web development, with businesses using these technologies to provide personalized experiences to their customers. For example, AI-powered chatbots can extend 24/7 customer service, answering frequently asked questions and directing customers to the appropriate resources.
- Voice User Interfaces (VUIs): VUIs, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, are becoming ubiquitous, with businesses incorporating these interfaces into their websites and applications. This allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, providing a hands-free and convenient experience. We don’t think voice will remove the need for Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) in the future, however…can you imagine designing a book using voice commands alone? Talk about above-the-shoulder art direction.
- Motion User Interfaces (MUIs): MUIs, such as animations and transitions, are everywhere on the web these days. They make it possible for developers to offer more engaging and immersive user experiences. MUIs can be used to provide feedback to users, guide them through the user experience, and add a touch of personality to your website. In essence, these techniques help us close the performance gap between websites and native or desktop apps.
- Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMPs): AMPs are fast-loading, stripped-down versions of web pages that are optimized for mobile devices. AMPs might be good for businesses looking to provide a fast and seamless user experience to their customers on mobile devices, particularly for content-heavy websites. Are we fans? Not really (we prefer to optimize our regular web pages instead, so no additional versions are required to achieve good performance). Can we implement AMPs though? For sure.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): VR and AR are also gaining traction after years of languishing for lack of processing power or interesting applications. Beyond gaming and face filters, businesses can now use VR and AR to provide virtual product demonstrations, allowing customers to experience products in a virtual environment before making a purchase.
- Microinteractions: Microinteractions are small, specific actions within a larger user experience that provide feedback to the user, such as a “like” button on a social media platform. They are the original dopamine pushers on the Internet.
- Accessibility: For obvious reasons, it is important for websites to be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This includes things like providing alternative text for images, using clear and concise language, designing each page/screen with good visual contrast, and ensuring that the website can be navigated using keyboard controls only.
- Chatbots: Chatbots are computer programs that use natural language processing to simulate conversation with human users. They are useful for customer support, to answer frequently asked questions, and even handle simple transactions. By incorporating chatbots into your website, you can provide a convenient and efficient experience to your customers.
- Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology allows businesses to securely store and manage data: digital payments, even voting systems, ownership contracts, etc. By incorporating blockchain technology into your website, you can provide a secure and reliable experience for your customers.
If you’re looking to take your website to the next level, reach out to Digit today and let our team of experts help you modernize your stack in a way that’s tailored to your organization’s needs.