As we enter 2018, it’s a good opportunity to take a moment to reflect on the web development trends of 2017, and set expectations for 2018. As we consider recent designs and developments, there are a few trends that are likely to gain traction in 2018, and we’ll explore ten of them below.
1) Asymmetrical Grids
In 2017, split screen designs were extremely popular, but this trend seems to be dying down as asymmetrical grids rise to prominence. Web designers are now dividing pages using text and space as opposed to symmetry. For more on this trend, click here.
2) The Rise of Vue JS
Vue JS has been around since 2014 but is expected to play a large role in 2018. It is a fast, lightweight framework created by just one person. It is already being used by big players like Expedia and Nintendo. For more on Vue JS, click here.
3) Artificial Intelligence
Many people are excited about the rise of artificial intelligence, and 2018 may very well be the year AI gains mainstream popularity. According to David Lubbat, a highly respected blogger and writer, AI could very well live up to its potential – and much sooner than we think. He goes on to point out that directors are already using artificial intelligence in almost every stage of creating a Hollywood film. For information regarding the background of David Lubbat, click here.
4) Better Compatibility with Extensions
The use of browser extensions has led to much success for the major browsers like Chrome and Firefox. However, many extensions are only developed to be used on one type of browser. For example, a Firefox extension cannot be used on Chrome. In 2018, expect to see many extensions being run on different browsers. For more on this trend, click here.
5) Real-Time Web Apps
Although real-time web apps have been around for a number of years now, they are starting to gain a lot of traction – which can lead to tremendous growth in 2018. This is because consumers are now used to sharing information instantly and desire fast interactions, which is exactly what real-time web apps provide. Real-time web apps are the apps that give you notifications in real time as things like scores or comments change. To learn more about them, click here.
6) Cyber Crime
As things rise in popularity for the right reasons, there will always be those that use it for the wrong reasons. In comes cybercrime. Cybercrime is currently a six billion dollar criminal existence. Nearly half of these types of attacks target small and medium-sized businesses, and it is projected these attacks will cost business owners and consumers over six trillion dollars by 2021. With that being said, cybercrime will definitely continue to rise in 2018, and you should be sure to have up to date anti-virus software on all of your devices. For more on cybercrime, click here.
7) Mobile Solidifies Itself at the Top
2017 marked the year where mobile web browsing became the norm over using computers. This ratio will only continue to tip the scale in favor of mobile in 2018. In order to make websites better for those experiencing them on mobile devices, expect load faster, are created for smaller screens, and designed for touchscreens. For more on the role, mobile will play in web development, click here.
8) Color Schemes
It seems as though minimal color schemes of greyscale or black and white have been the norm for quite some time now. However, expect this to change in 2018 as vibrant colors are on the rise. This is in due part to the last point, as vibrant colors look and function better on mobile. For more on the bright colors, we can expect in 2018, click here.
9) Voice User Interface
As voice assistants such as Siri and Bixby have gained recent popularity, the demand for voice assistants is expected to be in higher demand. This could mean we see voice assistants play a role on PC and other platforms in 2018. For more on this trend, click here.
10) Security
Last, but not least, is security, which is sure to rise as cybercrime rises. This is especially helpful as SEO algorithms now include security to improve ranking, so website owners now have even more incentive to improve their security features. For more on this, click here.
There is something for everyone in the web development trends expected for 2018. From AI to new web page standards, it seems there will be major shifts to improve everyone’s experience.