Why Get Excited About the Web?

Web design is an exciting field. Over the last decade, so much has changed for the better. The technology is in a constant state of evolution, shaped by the very people who make websites.

After years of hacks and workarounds, we finally have the tools to build websites that look and function as we desire in a semantic way. It is easier than ever to build more and more complex websites. The following are some of the reasons why:

HTML5 and CSS3

Ever since we started building web pages, we have yearned for more control over their appearance. The paradigm has completely changed multiple times over the last 20 years.  From html tables filled with images and inline styles, to flash, to responsive design, what once was right is now obsolete.

Along the way, in an effort to separate content from style, CSS joined the mix and has made many attempts to replace the old ways with better, more sustainable ways of making websites prettier. At the same time, HTML has evolved to make the web more accessible.

Keeping these two separate is crucial, but only when they work together can they accomplish web nirvana. HTML5 allows for new ways of semantically presenting content, while CSS3 allows us to shape that content in fascinating ways, all in the browser. No first-party technology, no nested tables, just pure function and form working together hand in hand.

Mobile and Responsive Design

The way we use the web is changing. Whether IOS or Android, smartphone or tablet, people are connecting to the web with new devices every day. This creates new opportunities for design and function that are tailored to the user. Regardless of how the user accesses the web, we can provide them a seamless experience, optimized for whatever
size or type of screen they have in front of them.

Web Fonts

Just a couple of years ago, every site I built came in only a handful of font flavors. Now, there are hundreds to choose from, with more foundries joining in all the time.

Yes, inexperienced designers can now go font-crazy just like the early days of desktop publishing, but this will only help make professionally designed sites with carefully selected typography stand out.

Internet Explorer

Believe it or not, I’m thrilled at the current state of Internet Explorer. IE6 recently dropped below 1% usage in the United States and IE7 can’t be far behind.

While we’re stuck with IE8 until the last PC running Windows XP finally kicks the bucket, working around its limitations as a browser is a walk in the park relative to supporting IE6 and IE7.

IE9 has an unprecedented level of support for current web standards, and that is exciting. IE has promised to auto-update its browsers going forward, putting it right on par with the competition. After years of ruining all the fun of web design, IE has made great strides recently toward making the web a better place.

Looking Forward

These are just a few of the most exciting things going on right now on the web. I couldn’t be happier to be a part it. I don’t know of any other field where there is such a community and a desire to share information with one’s peers — it’s hard not to get excited about the progress we are making every day. What we are doing is making a difference. Now that’s inspiring.