From Static to Smart: How AI is Powering the Next Generation of Websites

Since the early 1990s websites have developed from static webpages to interactive and user-friendly marketing tools. With the recent development of artificial intelligence the question is how AI will empower the next generation of smart websites.

Short history

To put the influence of artificial intelligence in web development into perspective, one must know something about the phases of web development.

Static

Programmers built the first web pages during the early 1990s. No interactivity was possible. Webpages were seen as online posters and programmers had to make changes on the pages manually.

Interactive

During the early 2000s new coding languages and databases such as PHP, JavaScript, and MySQL were developed, enabling simple user interaction such as logging in and filling out uncomplicated forms. New coding tools made real-time updates possible.

Mobile device-friendly

Around 2010 people started to use smartphones and tablets with small screens. Since then, developers have to ensure that websites look good on different screen sizes. New coding languages and frameworks, such as CSS3, HTML5, and Bootstrap developed during this period enabling developers to create faster loading speeds.

User (UX) experience

Since 2015 UX has become one of the most important web design aspects. For users to have a good experience when visiting a site every click or scroll must quickly and effortlessly lead to the next piece of information. Successful UX web designers understand human behaviour and develop sites aimed at specific target audiences.

Artificial Intelligence influence

Web artificial intelligence is already transforming web development. With AI in web tools, tasks that were previously performed by humans are now automated. They include code generation, design optimisation, bug removal, and content creation.

For users, AI web development also has a great influence already. It enhances user experience (UX) by gathering, for instance, registered users’ internet browsing preferences. AI tools then analyses the data and provides the user with personalised information.

Due to AI, websites can already, for instance, analyse users’ internet behaviour and provide them with personalised information, and recommend specific searches.

Developers use AI tools, such as Adobe Sensei and Figma AI, to ensure smart, fast, and meaningful user experiences.

Future web design

Developers, including website development companies in Australia, are experimenting and developing AI tools and new concepts that will change the digital future forever.

What are users expecting from future websites?

Some of the developments that users expect include that websites will

• work faster,
• be easier to navigate,
• provide more personalised assistance, and be
• secure.

What do developers envisage?

Web developers agree on one thing – AI will have an increasing influence on the future development of websites. It is, however, difficult to speculate in what chronological order new aspects will be introduced, because developers endeavour to provide what users need.

Aspects developers are already working on include the following:

• Total hands-off navigation because it will be done by means of gestures and voice.
• Real-time data processing.
• Augmented and virtual reality for “real-life” experiences when users visit websites.
• Increased blockchain integration to enhance users’ trust and security.

Conclusion

The new website aspects developers envisage to satisfy user needs can only be realised by using AI tools.