Can You Guess the Top Web Development Trends of 2017?

Web development is progressing at an unprecedented rate.

Something that was popular one year can easily be considered ancient news by the following year.

If you want your online presence to grow, it’s vital that you stay on top of these trends.

But with new web development trends popping up every few weeks, it can be confusing and difficult to stay on top of your game. Especially if you’re a business owner who’s got other things to worry about.

That’s why we’ve created this handy list: It’s your one-stop shop for all of 2017’s hottest web development trends.

1. Artificial Intelligence

When technology talk comes up, artificial intelligence is almost always brought into the discussion.

But this year, artificial intelligence seems to be the focal point of many tech-related discussions. And it’s no wonder why- the AI field has seen a lot of exciting advances in the last couple years.

Big companies like Google and Wikipedia are already making use of artificial intelligence. Google uses it to improve their search engines. And Wikipedia uses it to identify damaged or inaccurate articles.

With AI tools becoming more accessible, we can expect web developers to find new ways to integrate AI into site designs.

2. Internet of Things

Your camera communicating with your refrigerator?

It sounds crazy, but it’s a reality we’re quickly approaching. This reality is known as the internet of things. The internet of things allows us to give non-internet-objects network connectivity so we can send and receive data.

Web developers probably won’t be working in the direct creation of these devices. But, they’ll likely be figuring ways to create apps that allow us to remotely control these devices.

However, there’s a lot of concern about how cyber security will play into all of this, so stay tuned.

3. Virtual Reality

The gaming industry has been all about virtual reality these past couple years. And now, it’s web development’s turn.

However, big players (such as Google) are already looking for ways to integrate virtual reality into the web. This year, we should expect to see more apps and sites including virtual reality components. For example, you’ll probably see some real estate sites offering virtual reality tours. 

Virtual reality can really take user experience to another level, meaning it’ll be a huge marketing advantage for companies that do it right.

4. Chatbots for Customer Support

Playing email ping pong with your customers should hopefully be a thing of the past very soon.

In 2017, we should instead see a greater emphasis on developing personalized bots for customer support. Aka, ones that don’t make you feel like you’re talking to a machine.

Bots provide a better user experience, drive site traffic, boost online sales, and solve customer problems. Again, this is another huge marketing advantage if done right.

5. Increased Security

It seems like for every new technology developed, there are 1,000 hackers ready to infiltrate it.

As hackers become more sophisticated, we’ll see web developers putting a greater emphasis on keeping their customer’s sites safe and secure.

Web Development Trends: Wrap Up

Be honest- how many of these web development trends did you guess?

Have you already seen some of these in motion? And do you think some will pick up steam in the coming year?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!