(Newswire.net — September 16, 2019) — At one-time web design may have been considered a reasonably straightforward discipline that required a basic understanding of HTML and ASP/PHP. However, as a self-taught coder and web-designer based out of Rosemount, Austin Alexander Burridge can confirm that a lot has changed in the last decade. With diverse technology and the cornucopia of tools available to designers, the possibilities are endless. There are about three primary schools of thought when it comes to how to prepare a website. The designer’s choice of style comes down to their individual preference, skill, and the tools they use.
Below, Austin Alexander Burridge of Rosemount reviews the various styles of web design to help those seeking to tap into their imaginations by applying code to innovative design.
Standard HTML and CSS
Standard HTML and CSS web design is still the most commonly implemented form of web design in use. Although it is the oldest methodology, it has the most documentation and the most experienced user base. HTML and CSS web design is beneficial because when a designer is working with something like PHP or ASP along with HTML and CSS, it’s far easier to itemize parts of the page for the PHP or ASP to print and format during the process. Versatile, script-powered page interfaces are not only easier to design, but they also retain stability and are easier to update and maintain. Another benefit of this method of design is that it is also easier to make subtle changes to the page. Customizable interfaces create a more professional website that stands out from the competition.
When designers choose HTML and CSS, they often have the added benefit of easily making the site mobile friendly. Most modern mobile devices have an aspect ratio that can support standard page dimensions. But in many cases, the reduced processing power and bandwidth can mean more work for a designer. In a situation where a designer anticipates a mobile client with nonstandard screen dimensions, a minor secondary routine in the PHP can be added to easily print the existing pages with modified placement and proportions without completely redesigning.
The downfall of HTML and CSS is that it’s far easier for hackers to steal content from such a transparent design system. It’s also easier for some browsers to render this sort of design incorrectly.
AJAX
AJAX allows the power of Javascript to make the pages work more like an object-oriented program. It presents more design freedom by allowing components of the pages not to be visible unless it’s necessary. This can create a less cluttered design while adding the dynamism of a programmed platform.
AJAX is also easy to update and maintain. The scripts are easy to swap out, and the OOP nature of the system heightens a user-customized experience. A downside is that it is slightly less efficient on mobile devices and game consoles. It requires interpreter processing to be run to handle the Javascript on the client-side. Javascript can be a frustrating language to program with, and the design methodologies behind AJAX are somewhat more complex. It can be a bit tiring for a designer to synchronize PHP or ASP to work with AJAX, as layers of markup increase with this sort of interface.
Flash
Flash is an interesting platform for web design, but there are very strict places where it can be used appropriately. With Flash or its equivalent, Silverlight, the page consists of a pre-compiled applet which must be loaded entirely before the page can even be displayed.
A disadvantage with Flash is that it’s not very fast. Many game consoles have very outdated Flash support, and mobile devices often have a weaker library for Flash. Some devices even block Flash completely. On the other hand, it’s hard to ignore the vivid, organic feel of an interactive Flash site that has been well-designed. So although it has limitations, Flash can be an effective style.
Many website designers have found success by merging all three styles. Utilizing different styles has become a trend in contemporary web design. Before making a final decision, a good designer will consider the aesthetic aspects of the site, how difficult it will be to maintain, and how it will be viewed.
About Austin Alexander Burridge:
From an early age, Austin Alexander Burridge of Rosemount, IL enjoyed exploring the imaginative worlds offered via video games as well as the internet and soon developed a keen interest in both tech hardware as well as innovative software design. He continues to nurture his interests both in his professional career and as a passionate online commentator for new tech ranging from smartphones to groundbreaking graphics cards.