It’s been a long and winding road to get to where we are today, but let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how far we’ve come.
The first website was created in 1990 by English computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. It was just a simple page with text and links designed to easily share information about his World Wide Web project with others. Thus, a new communication and information-sharing era had begun.
Specialized Software Was Developed
In the internet’s early days, website design was focused on functionality rather than aesthetics. Websites were primarily used for sharing information and communicating with others. However, as the internet evolved and more people began using it, website design became more complex and sophisticated. This led to the development of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are the building blocks of modern website design.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, website design became more visually appealing because of the introduction of new technologies, such as Flash and Shockwave, which allowed for more advanced graphics and animations. As a result, websites were designed to be more interactive and engaging, and the focus was on creating a user-friendly experience. One of the earliest examples of a visually appealing website was the original Space Jam website which was created in 1996 to promote the movie of the same name. The website featured bright colors, animated graphics, and a variety of interactive elements. It was a significant departure from the plain, text-based websites that had been the norm until then.
Graphics Take Over
In the mid-2000s, website design shifted towards simplicity and minimalism. This was partly due to the rise of mobile devices, which required websites to be optimized for smaller screens. As a result, websites began to focus on clear and concise information, with an emphasis on typography and white space. One of the most famous examples of minimalist website design is Apple’s website. Apple has always been known for its minimalist design aesthetic, and its website is no exception. The website features clean lines, simple typography, and a lot of white space. There is an emphasis on the products themselves rather than flashy graphics or animations.
Phones Push Website Design in a New Direction
In recent years, website design has continued to evolve. The introduction of responsive design has made it easier for websites to adapt to different screen sizes. Responsive design is a technique that allows a website to adjust its layout and content based on the device it is being viewed on. This has become increasingly important as more people access the internet on mobile devices. Today 55% of internet traffic comes from people using mobile devices, making it critical to have a responsive website.
Social Media’s Influence
The rise of social media has also had a significant impact on website design. Social media has made it crucial for websites to be shareable and easily accessible on different platforms. This has led to the development of social media widgets and plugins, which allow users to share content on social media directly from a website. Almost all the companies these days have a presence on social media. And what can be a better platform to let people know about this than the home page of their business’s website? This is why almost all websites have the icons of different social media prominently displayed. Creating an attractive website is very important, but it is also advantageous to have a prominent social presence on the internet.
The Internet is Constantly Evolving
Advances in web technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript have allowed for even more complex and dynamic websites. Websites can now feature advanced animations, video backgrounds, and other interactive elements.
In the modern era of website design, things have never been easier. There are powerful content management systems like WordPress and Squarespace that make it possible for those who are less technical to create a website themselves. However, even though creating a website on your own might seem easy, there is always a learning curve, and putting one together can be very time-consuming. That’s why in most cases, a small business that wants to or has already established itself can benefit from hiring a professional website designer.
New website-building technology is constantly being released, and there’s no telling what the next decade holds for us. Consumer preferences are constantly changing. What worked in the late 90s is no longer suitable for a modern website, and what’s popular today will be outdated in the future. What we know for sure is that website designers will keep on innovating and keep on making the internet a more beautiful and functional place.
