The web design industry is abuzz with new specifications such as HTML5 and CSS3, and cutting-edge frontiers like the mobile web which will take off in 2011. Professional networking on the web is also expected to gain steam in the year.
2010 was a happening year for web development when we saw the emergence of several new technologies such as HTML5 and CSS3. Year 2011 is predicted to be a consolidate of emerging technologies which would enable designers to design flexible websites which can be successfully served on any type of media including tablets and mobiles. The year would also see the emergence of professional online networking enabling people to network with fellow professionals as well as prospective or existing clients. The trend would particularly benefit tech-savvy professionals in the field like dentistry, law, architecture, fashion designing and creative writing.
Emergence of HTML 5 and CSS3
HTML5 is a major revision of HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) while CSS 3 (currently under development) is a Cascading Style Sheet presentation. These technologies are used to create web pages. You would see wider adoption of HTML5 and CSS3 in 2011, both by web designers and developers as well as browsers. Web giants like Google and Facebook have already started implementing HTML5 standards and the rest can be expected to follow suit. This would help developers build Web apps that do things which could previously be done only by desktop applications.
Sophisticated Website Platforms
The days when people surfed the Internet only on desktops are gone. Now, people can visit your website on laptops, netbooks, palmtops and smartphones. The devices on which the Internet can be accessed are only expected to get more sophisticated. The web designers would have to ensure in 2011 that the sites designed by them conform to all platforms.
Flexibility
Flexibility will be the mantra of any successful website design. Sites would be designed in such a manner that they would serve several media (conventional browser, iPhone, iPad, mobiles etc.) The trend right now is to utilise CSS to serve device based multiple layouts and screen dimensions so that the website is displayed properly. Developing technology would make it possible to design websites that would be served successfully across browsing platforms.
Measurement of Websites
You can measure the performance of your websites with data rich analytics. With the number of online competitors growing, this year you may have to learn how to best utilise analytics data. You will have to find out what is working for you and how you can take care of shortcomings. Analyse where your best visitors came from and which campaigns worked well for you. Put your resources into the areas where you have performed well.
Professional Networking
2011 will be the year of professional networking on the Internet. For instance, a dentist could become part of an online network of dentistry professionals. Such a network would enable him/her to connect with co-workers, other professionals in the region, and prospective or existing clients. People with common interests in the field of medicine can be part of such networks. Such networking system would allow one to increase exposure in the community by sharing stories and information. Such kind of professional networking would become effective for strengthening web presence and increasing the web traffic.
Simple Aesthetics
Web designers would forsake complex visuals and overdone design techniques. Clean and simple web designs with high attention to detail would be preferred. There would be a greater emphasis on typography, with the open web font format (WOFF) specifications being implemented. Stronger interaction design would help users to get richer and more captivating experiences. Simple aesthetics means better experience on mobile devices as Internet connectivity is less reliable on mobiles in comparison with the traditional broadband connection. For professions such as dentistry, simple website design suits better.
Whether you are a business person or a professional such as dentist, you can tap the potential of the web by adapting the design of your website to the emerging trends. Choose a trusted dentist web design firm which can incorporate the latest features in your site and help you score over your peers.
By: Gretchen Stoecker
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