In 2013, to commemorate the 20^th year of free and open web, the very first website returned to the web using its original URL. The site is… well, very basic; it is a text-only site that explains the World Wide Web basics. The website that we know has come a long way since. Fast forward to 2015, it would be relevant to determine the changes in the web design industry in the past couple of years. Where do you think it is headed? Let’s see.

Web 2.0 and beyond

According to KISSMetrics, the most prominent design in the late 2000s was interactive contents and applications thanks to the introduction of Web 2.0. Web 2.0 refers to dynamic websites wherein user collaboration is prioritized. Web 2.0 designers made heavy use of asynchronous JavaScript and Ajax (XML). This led to the possibility of viewing contents without refreshing the page and processing contents (image, video, graphics) using applications.

Another significant advancement is the introduction of HTML5. HTML5 gained mainstream exposure due to its efficiency when it comes to advanced graphics. While it is still under development, it is considered as the most efficient alternative to Flash.

In 2008, the most prominent design is the mobile web wherein mobile Internet access exceeded desktop Internet access for the first time. Web designers have been creating mobile versions of websites since then. Mobile websites only contain the essential contents and features of the desktop websites.

Content is prioritized hence the return to flat designs since 2010. Web designers were busy developing sites with fine images, pertinent typography, and sharp illustrations. Layouts are also well thought of include simplified visual elements whereby buttons are replaced with icons. Aside from content, hierarchy is considered.

In the last three years, we are seeing tall and skinny websites compared to short and wide ones. There are also very minimal navigation. In fact, there are one-page websites that take advantage of scrolls much like interactive infographics. Websites are becoming more and more pageless!

Speaking of infographics, they slowly crept into the world of web design in 2012. Some experts claim that 2014 is the year of infographics. This is in line with the growing synergy between web design and social media wherein digital marketers are looking for exciting ways to present contents to the users.

In 2013, we have seen highly curated and limited navigation. Browser compatibility is no longer an issue, device compatibility. Mobile responsive was even more pronounced this year and the following considering the constant introduction of new devices. More specifically, the emphasis is not having a separate mobile website, but a mobile version of the website. No more fixed-size pages. This is particularly true because of the ability to position various elements in the website through the help of CSS Flexbox.

Evidently, web designers now see and understand the web’s full potential. The designs we see today complies with better visual and usability. It is safe to say that devices will continue to influence the way websites are designed and developed. Due to the one page concept, web designers will be particular in removing distinctions between desktop and mobile devices.

Written by Jeric: Jeric is a Filipino blogger and a digital marketing enthusiast. Currently working at Optimind Technology Solutions, a digital marketing agency in the Philippines that provides different services including SEO, web design, mobile app development and much more.