 One
of the great challenges in good web design is to manage
the technologies that are involved with the process.
End-users do not consistently have access to the same
hardware and software. Likewise, web browser developers
create products that do not always share compatible specifications.
Meanwhile, the standards for web design technology are
continually changing and keeping up can be quite a challenge.
Technology in web design is a bit of a balancing act,
incorporating both the new and "up-to-date" with
the archaic and "outdated". Even when an overwhelming
majority of people use one thing, there is usually a
surprisingly vocal minority that uses another. For example,
early adapters of new technology are always installing
the latest version of the most popular web browser and
using the greatest display resolutions available. On
the other hand, a large segment of Internet users like
to get the most value out of their technology investment.
They will be hanging onto computers that are over five
years old, running outdated and obsolete versions of
web browsers. It could be argued that the latter group
is holding the World Wide Web back from its true potential
and slowing the pace of technology that can be used in
web design. But, nonetheless, these users' needs must
be taken into consideration when designing a website.
Often times a website owner will want their website
to be everything they ever dreamed of, neglecting to
consider the needs of their potential clientele. It can
be a daunting task to mesh the vision of a website that
the owner wants with the technology that their existing
customer base uses.
A wide range of website users varies according to which
industry and market is being represented. For some specific
fields, there will be a large audience of early adapters
and only a small segment of the late "technological"
bloomers. Nonetheless, all website users must be considered at
every stage of development.
With all of the differing technologies in place on the
Internet, a group has arisen to try and establish some
standards. The W3C, (World Wide Web Consortium) has developed
standards that web designers and developers use for implementing
technologies on the Internet. This is a very industry-specific
entity as most users either don't know or don't care
which technologies are being used.
The only thing that website users are genuinely concerned
with is that when they open the web browser and search
for a web page, it is displayed correctly and it is easy
to use. Web browser developers are compelled to develop
a browser that works on some of the W3C standards so
that web pages will be more universally accessible. Of
course, some browsers still create their own set of standards.
What we are left with are multiple sets of needs. There
are the demands from website users, web browser developers,
and from website owners.
Our responsibility is to find a middle ground among
all of these needs, wants and standards. The web design
company you select must have the experience and knowledge
base to create your website in the most technologically
diplomatic way.
The technologies that are selected for your website
can make the difference in its usability and visibility.
Some web design technologies have diminished value in
terms of Internet marketing and search engine marketing
results. This can dramatically impact the success of
your Internet marketing campaign. If a web design company
selects the wrong technology or misuses it in the implementation
of your website, it could do serious harm.
At IntraMedia, we have been working with continually
evolving technologies for over a decade. We have weathered
the dot-com boom and bust and made it through unscathed
because we were able to adapt to the technological needs
of our clients and the users to whom they were trying
to reach. With the advent of Web 2.0, there is another
Internet revolution approaching. IntraMedia is the web
design company that will see to it that your Internet
marketing campaign enjoys lasting success.
For more information about other web design topics or
website design services, please visit the web design
area or select from the list below. |
