Top 7 Web Development Trends Shaping 2018 and Beyond

21CTO community guide introduces promising web development trends and visions for the future, written in 2018.

1. AI-Powered Chatbots

Chatbots enable e‑commerce developers to create sites with online assistance, allowing users to order food, tickets, etc., with a single click. It is projected that by 2020, 85% of user interactions will operate without human support. Advanced AI chatbots can learn in real time and build user profiles; for example, eBay uses Facebook Messenger bots.

2. Motion UI

Motion UI is expected to be a standout web application trend in 2018, offering a clean style that avoids overused GIF ads and enhances site uniqueness, delivering a magical experience for users.

3. Blockchain

Blockchain provides a highly secure method for distributed data storage, eliminating intermediaries between transactions. Even with many hosts participating, each transaction is verified by complex algorithms, and many multinational banks are considering blockchain to ensure complete data security.

4. Augmented Reality (AR)

AR, short for Augmented Reality, is becoming a fast, interactive web development trend on mobile devices and social platforms, helping marketers reach target audiences quickly. For instance, Snapchat’s Bitmoji feature enables projection effects, and brands can use special filters to project products into users’ environments.

5. Single‑Page Websites

Single‑page sites present all information on a long, scrollable page, eliminating the need for multiple pages and simplifying navigation. This approach is valuable for mobile sites, as it reduces page jumps and can increase conversion rates.

6. Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

PWAs function like native mobile apps, working offline and delivering superior user experiences. By 2018, PWAs are expected to rival native apps, offering instant loading without Wi‑Fi. Companies such as Flipkart and The Washington Post have adopted PWAs, significantly boosting user interaction and conversion.

7. Web Push Notifications

Push notifications bring the interactivity of mobile app alerts to websites, enhancing user engagement and providing benefits for enterprises. They allow users to perform actions directly on the site, keeping users highly involved with minimal effort.

Compiled by Zhigao, source: dzone.com