Web development trends are changing and evolving regularly. It is essential for any business and any developer to stay abreast of the latest changes to keep up with the times. In 2024, new advances are waiting for people, defining the future of web development. Knowing the trends will enable the creation of innovative, modern, effective websites and software, taking advantage of user experience, expectations, and new technologies. It is significant for software developers to stay competitive by focusing on trends ranging from advanced applications and optimization through AI and voice search to accessibility and cybersecurity.
According to 85% of people, modern websites should be easy to use on a smartphone, and about 40% will not interact with the platform if the design proves unattractive. The speed of page loading remains an essential factor. The faster a site or app runs, the greater the conversion rate. Statistically, every second of load time accounts for 7% of leads as of 2023. With this in mind, you need to understand the top web development trends for 2024 that will help meet people's needs and make your business successful.
A brief introduction to web development trends
With today's web development trends, it is possible to use best practices, methods, and technologies that define how software is developed and optimized, designing websites and other software. They emerge in response to user demands and innovative advances the industry requires.
Key features at the moment:
- Adaptive design. It guarantees that websites can quickly adapt to the sc reens of any device.
- Accessibility and functionality. With the growing popularity of technology and the use of smartphones, people need to get easy accessibility to platforms and products from developers without losing functionality.
Modern frameworks and libraries have gained popularity due to the possibility of optimizing different processes, increasing the finished product's performance. They allow developers to use a lot of tools and frameworks for the formation of interactive software.
Optimization of speed and performance — no less essential trend and aspect because studies indicate that people are unwilling to wait until the page loads, just leave the site. Optimization, which will give a positive user experience and increase the conversion rate, will be crucial in this case. Caching and code reduction are suitable for this.
Web development trends to follow in 2024
As we enter 2024, developers, businesses, and companies must follow web development trends. They give rise to the evolution of software and sites and guarantee convenience and attractiveness to potential customers and resource users.
Both old and new web development technologies in 2024 cover a wide range of areas:
- programming languages;
- development methods;
- tools;
- new technologies;
- frameworks.
Often trends show the field's desire for greater efficiency and scalable, secure software solutions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
These advanced technologies enable software to exhibit intelligent behavior, improving performance over time. AI focuses on developing machines that help mimic human actions and intelligence, performing routine, complex, simple tasks. MO is an algorithm that allows machines to learn from data and do analytics, predictions, and other actions without explicit programming.
Both technologies are complemented by numerous software in different areas of activity. NLP (natural language processing) allows technicians to understand and use language and work with software like chatbots, assistants, and translators. Computer vision provides users with visual data; based on it, the software is created for object recognition, photo, video analysis, etc.
MO Algorithms can identify patterns based on which predictions are made, and different processes are automated.
They are implemented in the areas of:
- predictive analytics;
- fraud detection;
- recommendation products;
- marketing.
Deep learning works with neural networks and is used for complex tasks. The impact of AI and MO on web development and the technology sector is huge. They increase not only efficiency but also productivity and accuracy.
Already today, AI and MO software is being added to areas such as:
- Healthcare — diagnostics and personalization.
- Finance — risk analysis and assessment, trading.
- Manufacturing — maintenance, quality control.
- Transportation — working with routes and autonomous transportation.
As technology advances, it becomes easier for developers to deploy AI-based software, creating intelligent platforms that will adapt and perform new functions to solve different problems.
A significant trend with the use of AI is chatbots. Such programs understand users and the data they enter and give the necessary answers. They can be integrated into any development (websites, applications, social networks, etc.), which provides accessibility to the public.
AI chatbot capabilities.
For businesses, the introduction of chatbots can provide the following benefits:
- E-commerce. On marketplaces, bots provide a high-quality user experience. They can be seen on major platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Sephora. With AI, it is possible to direct the customer to the right product, reducing consultant time.
- Fintech. Bots provide personalized services, saving support workers time. With the help of special software, users can control expenses, save, and invest.
- Healthcare. With AI, it is possible to achieve online services, chat consultations, and symptom control.
- GPT-3. Its integration will help automate customer service tasks and optimize marketing strategies. With the help of speech processing, it is possible to engage new customers, increasing the revenue of the whole business.
Artificial intelligence in the form of assistants will allow us to perform tasks.
The main ones are:
- answering questions;
- making appointments;
- consultations and recommendations;
- customer support.
Such features will stimulate customers, making services more convenient and efficient. In addition, the work of bots is available 24/7. They also reduce the likelihood of errors as a result of human error and save many working hours, optimizing the cost item.
There are two main methods of integration into the site — creating your software using an AI framework or using SaaS model.
As for machine learning, it should be added for cybersecurity. The technology is better than classic security methods in many ways:
- AI tools can help automate search and response and remediation methods.
- AI is capable of evaluating and responding to threats from a signature database and unknown, complex threats.
- The ability to perform analysis and predictions to understand security risks.
Some of the best AI solutions for web development in 2024 include:
- MDR — cybersecurity with continuous monitoring and threat detection, response, and remediation of web security. In addition, full analytics are provided, allowing you to understand the nature of the origin of vulnerabilities.
- Cloud-based detection - functions by analyzing traffic and data through best-of-breed algorithms and MoD models. The development implementation allows quickly finding threats without reducing the performance of sites, additional hardware, or software.
Any of the tools have a set of specific challenges and solutions. It is best to choose combined tools based on the project's specifics. A great option is to create your software based on AI and ML.
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Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT is in the category of physical devices that are closely connected. They have sensors, software, and connectivity built into them. Such equipment can exchange information, work with each other and perform tasks without human involvement.
The basic idea of IoT is the ability to connect and interact using the Internet to perform certain actions and exchange data. This connectivity helps to bring the digital world and capabilities into physical life.
IoT software exists and is used in different areas of life:
- smart homes;
- health care system;
- manufacturing;
- transportation;
- other.
It is possible to control devices remotely using the phone and voice assistants. It generates large amounts of data that are available for analysis. This can be used to make the right decisions, optimize operations, and increase efficiency.
As a result of the development of IoT, the entire ecosystem will expand in 2024 and beyond, leading to more connectivity and better interaction with the world around us.
Internet of Behavior (IoB)
The Internet of Behavior is a concept that describes the process of collecting and analyzing data related to human behavior. IoB combines three research areas: behavioral sciences, edge analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
IoB Market Size in 2022-2032. Source.
IoB platforms collect information from sources such as wearable devices, smartphones, home appliances and surveillance cameras. After analyzing the data, developers get a report on user activity patterns.
The goal of IoB is to help marketers understand and monetize the volumes of data generated by network nodes on the Internet of Things.
IoB work principle. Source.
IoB use cases:
- Purchase analytics to personalize offers
- Using GPS to personalize promotions
- Sending alerts when a particular tracker's data is not up to par
Benefits of IoB:
- Improved customer engagement. IoB technology helps increase customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Personalized marketing. By understanding customer behavior patterns, business owners run more effective marketing campaigns.
- Increased security. IoB devices monitor driver behavior and warn of potentially dangerous situations.
To successfully integrate IoB, companies must ensure the privacy of the data collected. Today, there are still cases where customer information has been fully or partially leaked. For example, Meta was fined $1.3 billion in 2023 for violating EU data privacy rules.
Metaverse integration
The next web development
trend for 2024 is the introduction of meta-universes for users to interact with each other and digital assets. This uses advanced technology that seamlessly combines real and virtual worlds.
When you integrate meta-villages into websites or apps, businesses get a lot of perks:
- Increased brand awareness.
- New sources of revenue.
- The use of innovation.
- Data on customer behavior and desires.
The benefits metaverses bring to business.
It is optional to create a full-fledged world; it is enough to use some elements of the metaverse in web development. For example, integrating virtual reality into stores and other types of e-commerce will help simplify shopping, making the process fascinating, with the ability to interact with the final product without buying it.
In medicine, meta-universes will help create virtual modules, providing patient care experience. The innovation can be used in games, training, real estate, etc.
Мultiexperience in web application development
In 2024, multitouch, multiscreen, and multi-functional interfaces will be popular. Such a trend is considered new in the world of web development.
Large companies are already using Multiexperience. At Airbnb, it is possible to book accommodation not only through classic methods but also through smart speakers. The Starbucks app offers drinks for ordering via clock or voice assistant without queues and with bonuses. With enough examples like this, the solution will help get new channels of service. It's more convenient for the user, saving time, so the trend deserves attention in 2024.
The meaning of the trend in web development is that software should work efficiently, look good, and benefit people on any device.
There are various means to achieve this result, and some of them are:
- Progressive Web Application (PWA). With this addition, web pages will show their mobile interface and have support for native interactions. Implementing this approach provides a great experience and experience for users who won't even realize they're in a browser.
- Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP). Provide fast loading times, but work only with static data, showing only important information.
- Multi-Experimental Development Platforms (MXDP). Ready-made software solutions, more often with a specific number of tools to create a project quickly, avoiding high costs and other resources.
- WebAssembly. This bytecode can create performance software in browsers or increase applications' speed and interactivity. Code execution is faster than JavaScript, and the coding can be done in a suitable language (C/C++/C#/Rust/Kotlin, etc.).
Any application in 2024 must be practical on all devices and displays. It is critical that it can connect to sensors to encompass IoT capabilities. The trend toward a feature-rich site allows it to outperform the competition by providing the customer with a great user experience.
Serverless architecture (cloud computing)
Cloud computing for web development can help you avoid relying on a physical server or hardware. Instead, there are resources to work with from a cloud provider. They maintain and manage the proper infrastructure; the user can only deal with the software and data without maintaining and managing the servers.
With the use of cloud computing comes several advantages:
- Scalability and flexibility. Easy to work with resources based on needs, which gives efficiency and budget savings.
- Availability and reliability. Service providers guarantee that data and software are always available, even during downtime or infrastructure failures caused by backup centers.
- Collaboration and remote access. The ability to work with the application from anywhere worldwide if the Internet is available makes remote or teamwork easier.
Three main cloud computing service models.
There are three main cloud computing service models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). It gives virtual computing resources (virtual machines, storage, networks) for customers to develop their infrastructure with the possibility of further management.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS). A complete development and deployment environment with infrastructure and other functionality. Developers can only do software development without managing servers and other elements.
- Software as a Service (SaaS). Complete software that is fully managed and deployed through a service provider.
Large corporations use a serverless architecture to develop their applications. For example, the technology is used by Coca-Cola, Netflix, Slack, and The New York Times. It makes it possible to reduce costs by up to 30-40% and speed up new software development by 75%.
Companies that use serverless technologies
The development of web development trend is easy to explain because users get many advantages:
- Rapid time to market.
- Reduced operating budget.
- A high degree of reliability and security.
- Comprehensive solutions without the need for separate analytics and customizations.
When realizing software with serverless architecture, it is important to consider 3 components:
- An expert team that has experience with serverless applications.
- Platform selection.
- Customizing the platform shapes the architecture of the web product. This includes customization of service tools (databases, API gateways, standalone functionality). It is also important to constantly monitor and test in order to provide information protection and proper operation of the entire project.
Companies and individual entrepreneurs positively evaluate cloud computing in web development. They help to scale activities, improve flexibility, and save money and time.
Cybersecurity
Web development trends in 2024 to enhance cybersecurity is one of the major narratives for the near future. According to Research and Markets, the cybersecurity market is growing at 10% annually and will be capitalized at $338 billion by 2030.
Cybersecurity market forecast. Source.
A Clark School study found that hackers attack users every 39 seconds. Attackers use phishing, password mining, and social engineering.
Common areas of hacker attacks:
- E-commerce
- Financial services
- Healthcare
One of the main components of web development is to ensure security. To do this, developers will utilize technologies such as:
- Behavioral analytics. Detecting unusual behaviors in systems or networks.
- Network access control. Managing and enforcing access policies for devices that connect to the network.
- Data loss prevention. Tracking unauthorized transmission or leakage of information.
New web development technologies in 2024, like AI and blockchain, provide new opportunities for cybersecurity solutions. For example, AI is used for threat detection and predictive analytics, while blockchain is used for decentralized transactions and data storage.
Blockchain and Web 3.0
Blockchain as a technology emerged with Bitcoin, the first decentralized cryptocurrency. Over the years, the development has gone beyond cryptocurrencies, and today, it can be integrated into any sphere of activity. These include logistics, finance, healthcare, real estate, etc.
The main features of blockchain:
- Decentralization. The work is carried out in a network with a decentralized nature of work, which eliminates the need for a central authority, intermediaries, etc. As a result, there is no control by authorities or other bodies. Users maintain and update the blockchain on their own.
- Transparency. Once a transaction is recorded in the blockchain, it cannot be tampered with or altered, ensuring data integrity and complete transparency. Any user can view and verify transactions. This feature makes it possible to track the movement of assets and verify their authenticity.
- Security. Blockchain uses cryptographic algorithms that protect all transactions and guarantee the integrity of information. As a result of its distributed nature, blockchain is very difficult to hack, as well as other types of hacking attacks.
In the financial sector, blockchain achieves secure and fast transactions without 3 persons, making payments around the world much easier. In addition, transactions are provided with transparency and the ability to track any transaction. In healthcare, technology will help improve data security, and patient confidentiality.
With the blockchain functions (automatic and reliable execution of agreements without 3 persons), technology can be integrated into insurance, legal cases, and decentralized applications (DApps).
Speaking of Web3, the technology concept is based on blockchain, allowing to create a secure network without centralized bodies.
Blockchain for Web 3.0.
With the capabilities described earlier, blockchain is becoming the ideal solution for software in any industry, especially fintech, military, and healthcare.
Web3 technologies are already available on the market today in the following products:
- Brave Browser. A blockchain-based digital advertising browser with a cryptocurrency rewards system. Brave Creators are individuals working under a particular program. They also create content, software, sites, and other products that Brave users can receive. As a result, it is possible to monetize their work without using classic advertising methods.
- OpenSea. A decentralized platform in the form of an NFT marketplace. Each participant can buy, sell, and exchange non-exchangeable tokens.
- Microsoft Entra Verified ID. A product for decentralized authentication and identity verification. The software allows protecting of personal data and gives access to them.
Blockchain-based web developments significantly improve almost any business's reliability, security and efficiency, reducing possible risks and costs.
There are several options for embracing the web development trend:
- Develop a decentralized application, which gives new investors, users and reduces the likelihood of information leaks. Businesses gain new means of monetization, especially with cryptocurrency.
- Applying DeFi to provide financial services without 3rd parties.
- Integrating NFT into working products or developing software based on NFT. This solution generates new revenue streams, makes the brand recognizable, and improves the customer experience.
- Creation and launch of Web3 identification solutions (wallets, user verification tools).
- Products for decentralized storage will help store and transfer data securely. Integration can be most beneficial for tourism, financial services, technology, and healthcare corporations.
- Implement blockchain-based reputation systems. They help select trusted partners who can be trusted, and it's all about applications. The solutions described will help leverage new technologies today. In 2024, they will be ideal for startups of all sizes, allowing them to bypass competitors and solve cybersecurity problems.
Voice search assistants
Already today, any phone has a voice assistant, and it's showing up in speakers and other technology. This web development trend continues into 2024, and according to 2022 statistics, one in two U.S. residents use such a feature daily.
- Easy operation. The operation of the assistants is fast, requires no hands, and is comfortable in various situations. In addition, it is an essential tool for users with poor, impaired vision or those who have typing problems for other reasons.
- Affordability. Techniques using this feature are inexpensive, and the tool is a must-have for your business.
What are the reasons for this move to voice interfaces?
- Voice assistant allows you to optimize your search - a major e-commerce trend. The feature will help customers search for products or services quickly and conveniently and perform other tasks using natural speech. Customers can place orders and add items to the cart without clicking on buttons.
Proprietary smart speaker software is a good direction for 2024, giving an influx of new audiences and allowing for more sales. Integration of the tool will enable you to get ahead of competitors who don't use the innovation, giving customers a better experience.
Those involved in leading e-learning will also come in handy with such an assistant. With the help of the function, there is an opportunity to improve speaking and pronunciation; it speeds up the navigation within the platform or on training materials.
Application and help will be useful for any sphere, from tourism to the financial and technical sectors.
Quantum computing
In 2023, the world is close to developing software for this type of computing, although ways of working with it have been going on since the 1980s. Conventional PCs work with binary code (0 or 1), but quantum PCs use other methods, allowing data to exist simultaneously in two states (0 and 1). This kind of technology speeds up computational processes.
The amount of funds invested in quantum computing has an increasing trend.
IBM is currently the leader in this sector.
IBM develops quantum processors and a quantum mainframe.
This technology is trying to evolve, and as it does, expectations are rising from the potential impact. According to the McKinsey report, it could be significant for many sectors, especially the financial and scientific sectors.
Various industries can benefit from quantum computing powers.
In the scientific and biological fields, computing will help model chemical processes. In pharmacology, it will help optimize drug design, and in the financial sector, success will lie in significantly reducing risk, searching for fraud, and accelerating new customer registration.
The technology and the software based on it will enable faster charging of electric cars in the future, reducing the period of a few seconds instead of 20 minutes at special stations or up to 3 minutes instead of 10 hours at home.
Motion UI
Motion UI is a FrontEnd development principle that utilizes animations, transitions, and other dynamic visual effects. This trend helps in engaging the users as well as enhancing the appeal and usability of the website.
The main components of Motion UI are:
- Animation. The movement of elements on a page, such as a greeting, block enlargements, or the reaction when the cursor hovers over an object.
- Scrolling effects. Animating elements create a sense of depth and interactivity.
- Feedback. Reactions to interactions with the website. For example, a notification icon bounces slightly to attract attention.
To implement Motion UI, web developers use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
An example of parallax scrolling on Motion UI. Source.