Artificial Intelligence
Some of the biggest tech companies, such as Google, Microsoft and Facebook, have been releasing their AI technology to be used by the public. Artificial intelligence is already used by large applications, either to improve search engines, like in Google’s case, or in Wikipedia’s case to identify inaccurate or damaged articles.
With easier access to the necessary tools for AI development, we can expect developers to start using AI in new and different ways in the new year.
One such example is AI-driven web site creation. For example if you sign up for The Grid, Molly your AI web designer will ask you questions about branding, colors, layout and content, and then, based on pre-programmed algorithms, automatically create an aesthetic website for you.
Technologies for web development: Python, Lisp, Java
Machine Learning
Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides systems the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning focuses on the development of computer programs that can access data and use it learn for themselves.
RankBrain is a machine-learning artificial intelligence system that helps Google process some of its search results, in particular rare or one-of-a-kind queries. It was launched in early 2015 and is used globally by Google.
RankBrain is primarily focused on helping refine queries that Google processes, but the company says that the system is also used to help rank web pages. In fact, Google says RankBrain is its third most important ranking factor.
Technologies for web development: Python, R, Golang, Java and Scala
IoT (Internet of things)
Internet of Things is a movement towards connecting things to the internet that normally would not be present online. Things like your fridge or a toaster, a car engine, or even parts of your house can send and receive data.
If you think that the internet has changed your life, think again. The IoT is about to change it all over again!
— Brendan O’Brien
With the innovation opportunities that IoT brings, there are fair concerns about security and privacy issues. Along with the growth of this movement, developers will have to make significant changes in the way we perceive data protection online.
Technologies for web development: Java, Javascript, Python, C and PHP
Virtual reality
Another topic that always seems to surface when discussing the future of technology is virtual reality or VR. This trend has already started to sweep the gaming industry. The Oculus Rift and the Vive bring new and interesting possibilities to the world of gaming, but it won’t stop there.
Companies including Google and Mozilla have begun work on APIs to help VR technology transition to the web. As standards develop, we expect more and more applications to be developed using VR technologies.
Technologies for web development: Unreal, Unity 3D and C#
Motion UI
Simplicity is the trend in recent years. This is also true for web design. Users are already tired of crazy GIFs and flashing ads, that’s why websites with moderate design get more appreciation.
At the same time, sophisticated motion UI is becoming more popular. Animations allow to add more style and enable you to distinguish your website from the thousands of others with the static UI.
There are several ways to add some life to your minimalistic website. Consider page header transitions, nice hovers, animated charts, background animations and modular scrolling. These and many other elements may make your web presence much more enjoyable for users.
Technologies for web development: Javascript and Angular
Bots & the role of conversational UI
Bots are there to make our life easier and our experiences more personable (or at least they should). Bots are interesting from various standpoints and use cases. As messaging platforms become more and more popular, its role and influence on web design and web development can no longer be neglected.
Therefore the design and development of conversational UI will become an important topic for developers in 2017.
Technologies for web development: Javascript, Python and Java
Chatbots for customer support
2016 was the year of chatbots. 2018 will be the year of helpful chatbots. Since there are thousands of bots out now, the quality of their services will be the next web development trend.
The prediction is that 85% of all customer interactions will proceed without human assistance till 2020.
A customer service chatbot becomes a must on almost every website. Whether you are selling electronics, crocheted toys or software development services, you should have a chatbot.
Technologies for web development: Javascript, Python and Java
Static site generators
Static site generators are a great way to create websites. You don’t need a database, instead your web pages are simple files which run on your servers. With that comes advantages in website loading times, better security handling, and ease of deployment.
Technologies for web development: PHP, Ruby Python and Node js