The Power of Non-Standard Solutions in Web Development
Web developers have followed much of the same standard operating procedures for years now. But, what if you took a different approach?
Today, with the digital landscape changing nearly every day, you can make waves by integrating non-standard web development solutions.
If all you’re doing as a web developer is using age-old solutions, then you’re sure to fall behind. It’s not that the fundamentals of web design aren’t important; it’s just that they no longer push boundaries and often hold you back from creating amazing websites.
In this article, we’ll discuss the magic you can create with non-standard solutions.
Web Development Solutions: Evolution
The fundamentals of web development are the tried-and-true languages — Javascript, CSS and HTML. While all of this is great, there’s so much more to web programming.
Taking a non-standard approach to web development looks to improve these approaches, not do away with them altogether. The innovative techniques can help improve the sites you create and ensure that they stand out among the competition.
Examples of this have already played out in the web development landscape. Non-standard approaches have led to the creation of sites that are UX-centered, dynamic and responsive. They are much different than the static websites that have been traditional for so long.
In the end, the goal of this different approach is to create sites that are more attractive, efficient and quicker.
Applications of Non-Standard Techniques
There’s nothing wrong with traditional programming. It’s just that there are ways that you can write web code that’s not only more efficient but more creative.
Pushing boundaries allows you to create amazing new things. Original solutions to specific challenges and utilizing a new framework are examples of how your site can gain sophisticated functionality.
Examining Distinctive User Interfaces
The UI, or user interface, is the entry point of any website. If you’re able to create a unique interface that functions in a unique way and is aesthetically pleasing, you’ll be following non-standard approaches.
Instead of a traditional navigation menu and static grids, consider what alternatives you could use. Simple navigation and minimalist designs could result in your site being user-friendly and also visually-appealing.
Users will then be drawn to go to your site, and then be influenced to spend more time there and come back later as well.
Novel Designs and Structures
Just because websites before yours have followed traditional designs doesn’t mean you have to. Non-standard approaches could include overlapping parts, experimenting with typography, a grid system that’s fractured or asymmetry.
All of these approaches can bring your website to life and make it unique, which all by itself could give users a novel experience and draw them in.
Integration of AI, VR or AR in Web Development
Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are no longer just buzzwords. You can improve your skills by using these technologies.
If you want to create an interactive experience for your users, then these technologies are good solutions. Consumers can get an interactive experience with a website, where before, it was just basically reading words and seeing pictures and videos on a screen — quite the passive experience.
Above-Normal Speed and Efficiency
It’s essential that the loading speed of your website is fast. More than that, though, non-standard approaches don’t just optimize performance through CSS minification and picture compression.
These new methods could allow your sites to load lightning fast and perform unlike others. With your website now functioning in an entirely new way, you can make a lasting impact.
Effects and Advantages of Non-Standard Solutions
One of the biggest benefits of non-standard solutions is that you can improve user interaction in a way not possible before. When you think in different terms, it allows you to produce captivating aspects and distinctive web designs.
Not only will you be able to surprise your audience, and attract new people to it, but you’ll also be able to keep them there for longer periods of time — as they’re immersed and amazed.
Personalization Beyond Standard Norms
It’s no longer enough to just take a web development approach that’s formulaic. It’s essential to customize the experience for users.
Each visitor to your site can now gain an experience that’s unique, since you can personalize and tailor services and content to them. This level of customization leaves a lasting impression.
Inventive Solutions and Differentiation
It’s difficult to stand out when there are literally millions of sites on the web. By taking a different approach to development, you can gain an edge and stand out.
You can break free from simple and boring template-based design to give your brand a distinctive identity. Following novel features can help establish your company as the leader of your industry.
Gaining a Competitive Edge via Innovative Methods
Consumers today are looking for something different, and non-standard approaches to web development can give that to them. Fresh sites can increase engagement, improve your conversion rates and, as a result, increase your sales.
Case Studies
Airbnb: An Unconventional Method
As one of the world’s leaders in accommodation and travel booking, Airbnb has adopted a unique website design that helps them stand out. In fact, their design — which was quite novel at the time it launched — actually set a new standard for platforms that operate in the same space.
They used graphics in a creative way and integrated interactive maps so users could easily see where properties were located. Other search features they created focused on how visitors would most easily navigate the site, which captivated users.
Spotify’s Special Features
In what was quite unique at the time, the “Discover Weekly” playlist that Spotify created was very impactful. Using machine learning, the music streaming service customized a weekly playlist for every user based on whatever musical tastes they had.
The innovative approach dramatically improved Spotify’s user retention stats, since it increased engagement so much.
How Unusual Approaches Produced Amazing Results
Companies that have taken a non-traditional approach to web development have realized amazing results. Just being unique by itself isn’t enough, though. It’s important to create something that is impactful and improves the user experience so that you can realize gains in your bottom line.
Non-standard solutions can result in a big boost to business performance and user behavior. It results in longer sessions, reduced bounce rates and better conversions. These vital metrics show just how valuable creative techniques in web design can be.
Applying Non-Standard Solutions: Optimal Techniques
If you want to effectively integrate non-standard solutions to web development, you need to carefully prepare and plan. Here are some best practices that you should follow to ensure these new approaches actually enhance your web design:
- Know the Audience: Everything starts with a full understanding of the target demographic. You need to discover your main audience’s preferences, habits, requirements and more. This allows you to create features and designs that cater specifically to them.
- Be Flexible: Web development is both agile and dynamic. As you’re designing sites, you need to be open-minded and flexible. You and your team should have latitude to experiment with new concepts, which can often lead to creative fixes and solutions.
- Be Agile: While you want to be creative, it’s also important to adopt an incremental approach to web development that’s agile. This will enable you to refine the project continuously through iterations, review and feedback, and then changes when needed.
- Follow the Data: Analytics and user data can help inform all of your decisions. Instead of just flying by the seat of your pants, so to speak, you should use this data to tell you where to go and what to do. If the ultimate goal is to boost user experience, after all, then the best way to do that is to know your users’ behaviors.
- Encourage Collaboration: Web design takes teamwork, especially with non-standard solutions. Promote cooperation between your designers, developers and content creators to design a solution that’s well-rounded.
Conclusion
The goal of web development today should be to improve the user experience, and non-standard solutions are a great way to do that. You can differentiate your products, increase the user experience and engagement all at once by following these unique approaches.
Creative methods can not just go against the grain, but also allow for user interactions that are meaningful and impactful.
