Technological development enforces new approach to websites
Media consumption

Technological development enforces new approach to websites

The resolution of screens used by Polish internet population is growing, they also tend to surf the web on their tablets or smartphones more and more often. The trend sets a new standard for website building. How? Two companies, Gemius and Autentika,

Mobile year every year

The rising popularity of mobile devices has had a significant effect on day-to-day work at interactive agencies. According to Gemius, in March online traffic generated via smartphones and tables hit as much as 10.5 per cent. This is the reason why website designs that are now in the pipeline or at a conceptual stage should not be limited to large screens only. Responsive Web Design, or adjusting an interface to the requirements of mobile devices, comes as standard. And this is not only solely about the graphics or layout. The new trend is a ‘service design’ philosophy, which is a comprehensive approach to services, taking into account the characteristics of the device employed by the user.

The end of the browser nightmare

We, the website designers bid farewell to the older versions of Internet Explorer with no regret. Version six and seven are practically gone. As Gemius data shows, in March both of them generated a meagre 0.4 per cent of traffic. On the other hand, the most recent versions of IE are gaining ground. Version ten has already captured over 2 per cent and IE eleven over 5 per cent of page views. This is good news, as both support CSS3, which brings the browser closer to its market competitors. All seems to suggest that in a few years’ time, only few will remember the IE imperfections that no so long ago were an obstacle to online software development. Less effort is now necessary to ensure that a website looks the same on every browser.

HTML5 and CSS3 to replace Flash

The advancement of internet technologies is one of the reasons why the role of the previously widely popular Adobe Flash Player used to play online multimedia has diminished so much recently. The possibilities offered by HTML5 and CSS3, the languages used to create and display websites, usually facilitate similar effects and provide solutions to the same problems as the technology offered by Adobe did. The fact that HTML5 is supported by Apple, while Flash is not recognised by the Cupertino giant, is of significance too. One decision of the American corporation is a death blow to the once popular technology. Even though the share of devices ready for flash components may still be large, a downward slide must be expected. Website designers should already keep this in their minds.