Web development is constantly changing. Sometimes the development of technology seems like something we’ve seen in Black Mirror episodes. But mostly, these developments are positive (unlike in the TV series). Lots of these changes are about making websites work well on mobile phones. In the future, there we might need to make websites work well on things like smartwatches or devices we haven’t even seen yet. If you keep up with these changes, you can ensure your website always gets plenty of visitors who will have a seamless user experience. Many current web development trends may surprise you (as they are having a comeback), some of them you might have never heard of. OK, let’s check them out.
1. AI Chatbots
This is one of those web development trends that people have been talking about for a while. And undoubtedly will be talking for the foreseeable future. AI chatbots are getting smarter and more advanced to meet the needs of users. This will be made possible through the utilisation of natural language processing capabilities and advanced machine learning algorithms. By leveraging these technologies, chatbots will enhance their ability to accurately analyse and understand user behaviour, enabling them to provide more efficient and tailored responses.
In addition to expediting operations through voice or text interactions, AI-powered chatbots play a pivotal role in enhancing the customer experience. These intelligent chatbots serve multiple purposes, such as collecting data, addressing frequently asked questions, and resolving various customer issues. The outcome is a smooth and seamless digital journey for customers, enabling them to enjoy an improved overall experience. The result will be a significant improvement in the overall user experience with AI chatbots in 2024.
2. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Although progressive web apps (PWAs) have been around for some time, their most recent version is set to replace traditional web apps completely. PWAs offer lightning-fast loading times and the ability to work offline, similar to how apps like Google Maps operate. Major companies such as Starbucks, Uber, Pinterest, and Twitter have already adopted PWAs to enhance user experiences. As we are getting closer to 2024, numerous other organisations are expected to follow suit and recognise the benefits of integrating PWAs into their digital strategies.
Not only do PWAs deliver unparalleled user experiences, but they also come with a range of additional advantages. These include cost savings in website development and seamless maintenance for providers. Furthermore, PWAs have the benefit of visually resembling and functioning like regular web pages.
A variety of technologies and frameworks will be employed to develop PWAs in 2024. These may include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, WebAssembly, or Angular. The diverse range of options allows developers to choose the most suitable tools for creating powerful and engaging PWAs.
3. Improved Native Cybersecurity
In response to the alarming rise in cybercrimes, website development has undergone adaptations to provide enhanced security measures for safeguarding company and customer data. One notable shift has been towards the implementation of application-based multi-factor authentication, such as Google Authenticator, as a means of strengthening access control. Additionally, there has been an increased focus on patch management to ensure prompt installation of security updates and fixes. Another significant development is the establishment of Security Operation Centres (SOC), which serve as dedicated entities for monitoring and mitigating security threats. These advancements in website development contribute to bolstering the protection of sensitive information in the face of evolving cyber threats.
If you are the owner of a sizeable website with a substantial customer base, it is crucial to prioritise data security by adhering to the necessary standards and regularly performing security audits for your site. This proactive approach helps safeguard your website and its valuable data, ensuring the trust and protection of your customers.
4. Dark Mode Standardisation
As technology giants such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Reddit have already embraced it, the adoption of dark mode UI will be a prominent aesthetic enhancement within the realm of web development trends in 2024. This visually appealing feature is set to gain popularity as more websites and applications incorporate it into their design.
The demand for dark and low-light websites has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. As we slowly move towards 2024, the trend of incorporating dark mode user interfaces (UIs) in websites and apps is expected to continue. This preference for dark mode is supported by studies that have consistently found that at least 8 out of 10 users prefer to utilise dark mode whenever it is available. This user-driven preference for dark mode UIs highlights the importance of providing options that cater to the diverse visual tastes and needs of users.
5. Motion UI
Motion UI, a CSS library, is among the latest trends in front-end development, offering a convenient solution for incorporating animations and transitions into websites and applications. This powerful tool simplifies the process of adding visually engaging elements, allowing developers to integrate dynamic motion effects seamlessly. By leveraging Motion UI, front-end developers can create captivating user experiences with fluid animations and smooth transitions, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal and interactivity of websites and applications.
Motion UI operates by harnessing the combined power of CSS and JavaScript to generate seamless animations and transitions that can be effortlessly integrated into websites or applications. Implementing Motion UI is a straightforward process for developers. They need to incorporate the provided CSS and JavaScript files into their project and utilise the pre-defined classes and attributes to define the desired animations and transitions. This streamlined approach empowers developers to swiftly incorporate dynamic visual effects into their projects without the need for extensive coding or complex setup procedures.
6. Augmented Reality
No discussion on technology trends would be complete without mentioning augmented reality (AR). This trend has permeated various fields, including education, healthcare, and gaming, among others. With AR, users can immerse themselves in personalised, engaging, and enjoyable experiences within their own environment. Several notable examples of AR applications include Nintendo’s Pokémon Go app, Google Pixel’s Star Wars stickers, and Weather Channel Studio Effects. Today, many e-commerce websites like IKEA and Amazon are leveraging AR to elevate the user experience by creating virtual showrooms. Users of all ages thoroughly enjoy the entertainment value that AR brings. In just a short span, AR has evolved from a mere dream to a tangible reality, and it won’t be long before it seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
7. Accelerated Mobile Pages
Chances are, you have encountered AMP pages without realising it. The only noticeable aspect may have been the lightning bolt symbol indicating the lightning-fast loading speed in the search results.
Google introduced the Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) open-source project with the primary objective of ensuring optimal speed for mobile webpages. The AMP project envisions a collaborative effort to shape the future of the web, empowering developers to create consistently fast, visually appealing, and high-performing web pages and ads across various devices and distribution platforms.
By adopting the AMP format for mobile pages, you can reap several benefits:
- Improved Search Results
- Boost in Website Traffic
- Reduced Bounce Rates
- Enhanced ROI on Advertisements
8. Single-Page Application
A single-page application, as the name suggests, is a website or web application that primarily consists of a single page. In this architecture, the majority of the information remains constant, while only a few specific sections or elements require periodic updates. Rather than loading entirely new pages, SPAs dynamically refresh the necessary content, resulting in a smoother and more efficient user experience.
Single-page applications (SPAs) have become widely popular in the digital landscape. Even if you’re not entirely familiar with the term, it’s highly likely that you encounter them regularly.
You may easily recognise some prominent examples of single-page applications, including Gmail, Google Maps, Airbnb, Netflix, Pinterest, Paypal, and numerous others. Companies across the internet are leveraging SPAs to craft seamless and scalable user experiences, setting the stage for fluid interaction and optimal engagement.
9. Serverless Architecture
Serverless architecture operates on cloud technology, enabling users to run code for a wide range of applications or backend services without the need for administration. With this approach, there is no requirement for server provisioning, management, or upgrades. Prominent companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft serve as prime examples of utilising and offering serverless architecture solutions.
In 2022, the market value of serverless architecture reached an impressive $36.84 billion. This substantial figure indicates a promising future for the market, with the likelihood of witnessing an influx of new companies entering this space in 2024 and beyond.
10. Responsive Site Design
As you well know – this is not a new web development at all, but nonetheless – an important one. A recent survey conducted by SWEOR revealed that a staggering 85% of users consider mobile-friendliness as a crucial factor for websites. Additionally, the survey found that 38% of users would discontinue engaging with a website if they found the layout unattractive. These statistics highlight the significance of mobile-friendly design and visually appealing layouts in capturing and retaining user attention on websites.
While many developers have been adopting a mobile-friendly approach for quite some time, the definition of “mobile-friendly” is continuously evolving. In 2023, it entails utilising geolocation data to provide personalised experiences, enabling one-click ordering on e-commerce apps, and integrating biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint scanning or voice recognition, among other emerging trends. By implementing responsive design, the impact is multi-faceted: your website visitors will benefit from a smoother user experience while simultaneously contributing to the enhancement of your brand reputation.
11. Optimised Voice Search
Voice search, initially pioneered by Google in 2011, has gained immense popularity in recent years. Virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa experienced remarkable market growth in 2019 and are projected to continue their rapid expansion, as indicated by an analysis conducted by Grand View Research.
According to Google, around 27% of people utilise voice search on their mobile devices. Additionally, a study conducted by Microsoft reveals that within the last six months, 72% of users have interacted with a digital assistant. These statistics underline the increasing reliance on voice search and the growing presence of digital assistants in our daily lives.
12. Low-code and no-code tools
Low-code is an approach to application design and development that utilises user-friendly graphical tools and built-in functionalities, thereby minimising the need for extensive traditional coding. By leveraging low-code, individuals can quickly embark on their application development journey with ease.
No-code is an approach that builds upon the user-friendly experience of low-code but takes it a step further. This means that individuals without coding skills can actively participate in application development, making it accessible to a broader audience.
While it is important to note that low-code or no-code platforms cannot fully replace traditional coding, they can serve as valuable support tools for developers in 2024. These platforms enable developers to be more agile and efficient, allowing for faster scalability and responsiveness. By leveraging the capabilities of low-code or no-code platforms, developers can streamline their workflow and enhance their productivity without completely eliminating the need for coding expertise.
While it’s never too early to explore upcoming trends in web development, predictions for 2024 may be speculative. Web development trends evolve rapidly with new technologies and approaches emerging constantly. By staying informed, observing industry developments, and keeping an eye on early indicators, developers gain valuable insights. Maintaining flexibility and adapting to emerging trends ensures relevance and competitiveness in the digital landscape. Let us know if we missed any web development trends you think we might see in 2024.
