As we move through 2024, the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. The world of website development is no exception, with new technologies, design philosophies, and user expectations shaping the way we create and experience online content.
Let’s explore the key trends in website development for 2024, offering insights into the innovations that are set to redefine the industry.
1. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) Continue to Rise
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have been gaining traction over the past few years, and 2024 is set to be the year they become mainstream. PWAs combine the best of web and mobile apps, providing users with a seamless, app-like experience directly from their browsers. They offer offline functionality, push notifications, and fast loading times, making them an attractive option for both developers and users.
2. AI and Machine Learning Integration
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming various industries, and website development is no exception. In 2024, AI and ML will play a crucial role in enhancing user experience, personalising content, and automating various aspects of web development.
What does this look like? You’ve probably already come into contact with AI and Machine Learning integration on websites without even realising. Tools such as automated chatbots are a perfect example. The implementation of AI-powered chatbots have skyrocketed in the past few years due to their ability to significantly enhance the user experience without the need for human intervention.
This year we will see the rise of coding automation within web development which has already begun to transform the way websites are being built. Tools such as automated design systems can be used to generate templates based on customer behaviour and user preferences.
Not only this, but systems are emerging that have the ability to identify and diagnose website bugs quicker than manual troubleshooting. These AI and ML evolutions have the ability to speed up the process of website development as a whole, improving efficiency and reducing time and money spent.
3. Voice Search Optimisation
With the increasing popularity of voice-activated devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri, voice search optimisation is becoming a crucial aspect of website development. In 2024, it is expected that a significant portion of online searches will be conducted via voice commands.
What does this mean for you? This trend is starting to transform the way we look at Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), specifically when it comes to keywords. When people use Voice Search Optimisation, they are asking more conversational queries versus basic statements.
Instead of searching for ‘Image optimisation for websites’ they might say ‘hey Siri, how do I optimise the images on my website?’. Incorporating more conversational key word statements in your body can help you take advantage of this new trend.
4. Immersive Experiences with AR and VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are no longer confined to the realms of gaming and entertainment. In 2024, these technologies are poised to make a significant impact on website development, offering users immersive and interactive experiences.
What can this look like? AR & VR is becoming increasingly popular within the ecommerce space, allowing consumers to interact and immerse themselves in the purchasing experience. Brands are now offering ‘try on’ lenses and filters for items such as sunglasses, hats, jewellery, even make up products like lipstick colours and foundation colour matches.
Brands such IKEA have incorporated AR technologies to develop ‘The Place App’ which customers to view their furniture in their home via their phone camera.
This is transforming the way we purchase products online, allowing consumers to digitally try-before-they buy.
5. Sustainability and Green Hosting
With increasing awareness of environmental issues, sustainability is becoming a key consideration in all areas of business, including website development. In 2024, there will be a greater emphasis on creating eco-friendly websites and using green hosting solutions.
What does this look like? We often don’t think about the impact using the internet actually has on the environment. Websites are hosted by local data centres which use electricity to operate. So everytime we visit a website, this not only uses electricity on your computer or device, but electricity is also being used by the hosting source to run the website.
One page load can emit as much as 0.5 grams of carbon dioxide, and while this might not seem like a lot, when you think about how many people use the internet daily, worldwide, it begins to add up.
Green Hosting are a new wave of hosting companies that are using sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to run their hosting centres. Many of these companies use renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy to run their centres.
The increasing impact the internet has on the environment has been gaining more attention over the years and so Green Hosting will continue to grow as an industry and will become more of a consideration in the web development process.
6. Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
As cyber threats continue to evolve, cybersecurity remains a top priority for website developers in 2024.
Ensure your new website is built with robust security measures to protect your data and maintain user trust.
Tools such as website Firewalls have always been an integral part of website cybersecurity, however with the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, the importance of implementing robust security measures to protect user data and maintain trust has never been more prominent.
What does this look like for you? Implementing a strong firewall and other security measures such as a Two-factor Authentication App (2FA) and trusted Password Manager should be at the top of your list when beginning your website development journey.
Our recommendations:
For WordPress Firewall: WordFence
For 2FA: Authenticator App by 2Stable
For Password Manager: NordPass
7. Motion UI and Dynamic User Interfaces
Motion UI is becoming an integral part of modern web design, adding a layer of interactivity and engagement to websites. In 2024, we will see more websites incorporating subtle animations, transitions, and micro-interactions to enhance the user experience.
What could this look like? Motion UI is allowing companies to communicate via visual story telling like this budgeting app by tubik:
Other simple examples include parallax scrolling which is a creative way of breathing life into an otherwise pretty stock standard website.
9. Inclusive and Accessible Design
Inclusive and accessible design is no longer an afterthought; it is a necessity. In 2024, website developers are prioritising accessibility to ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access and interact with web content.
By creating inclusive websites, we help our clients reach a broader audience and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.
What does this look like? Simple ways to increase inclusivity and accessibility in your website include:
- Alt text for images (this is also crucial for your SEO!)
- Appropriate line spacing
- Readable and legible text
- Adequate colour contrast between text and backdrops
- Captions/subtitles for videos
- Keyboard-friendly navigation (whereby a website can be fully functional via a keyboard)
- Semantic HTML and ARIA landmarks (these are particularly helpful giving for screen readers context)
10. 5G and Enhanced Mobile Experiences
The rollout of 5G technology is set to revolutionise mobile web experiences in 2024. With significantly faster speeds and lower latency, 5G enables more complex and data-intensive applications to run smoothly on mobile devices.
What can this look like? More capacity for rich media and interactive elements, AI-enhanced and dynamic content, high definition images and videos and more. 5G opens up capacity for more exciting and captivating websites.
How We Can Help You Navigate the Next Wave of Website Development
At ireckon Digital, we’re more than just developers, we’re partners in your success. Our team takes a collaborative approach, working closely with you to understand your unique goals and challenges.
As we navigate the next wave of website development, it is clear that the future holds exciting possibilities. By staying informed about these trends and adapting to the changing landscape, developers and businesses can continue to deliver exceptional online experiences and drive success in the digital age.
Fix Your Existing Website
Often you don’t need to rebuild or replace the site you already have. We work on all types of existing sites, helping improve your existing website with small changes that make a big difference.
From tiny tweaks to progressive remodelling, running a modern website means you can’t leave it sitting still. Let us give you the information that will allow you to make the right decisions for your business.
Reviews/Audits
We start with an evaluation of your site, looking over all aspects including performance, security, search optimisation, and integration with your other processes. Then, we help you think through the implications and provide advice on opportunities for improvement.
Planning
No matter the outcome of your audit, we can help bring the same mindset we use in our comprehensive website scoping service to any work that needs doing. We’ll help you think through the implications of any updates or fixes you want to make to your site, ensuring everything falls into place.
Maintenance & Fixes
Whether you broke something, your previous development team is no longer around, or you just want someone to handle the work for you, we’re here to help. We create long-term relationships with our clients, helping maintain their sites through all stages of their life.
WordPress Performance
We understand that performance issues can affect backend processes or make your site a slow and horrible experience for your customers. Let us speed up your WordPress site to ensure it’s performing optimally.
Migrate to WordPress
Is your current site elsewhere? We can come up with practical processes to move your site into WordPress and your own hosting, where you’re in control and able to get the results you want.
Improve Conversion
Your website is there for a reason—whether it’s sales, inquiries, or support. By combining user research, data, and good design principles, we’re able to outline how your site can be improved, leading to more conversions that matter.
Ready to explore these trends and how they can benefit your business? Let’s discuss how we can help you stay ahead of the curve and achieve your digital goals.
