The reign of Covid-19 swept over the globe with such unexpected ferocity that the world seemed to freeze in its stride. That, however, did not impede the relentless march of technology.
On the contrary, web developers and designers found themselves thrust in the frontline, to cater to a world suddenly and abruptly moving online. One could smell the stress and caffeine brewing in every corner of the tech industry.
Imagine the nerve-wracking pressure – Young Miguel, a zealous developer from Spain, having to rush against the ticking clock to deliver an accessible and functional website for a local grocery store. That, my dear readers, was the intensity of the times.
Unveiling the Unexpected: A Bolder Web Reality
Against the backdrop of this tech frenzy, a distinct trend started taking form – the paramount need for functional web design.
“You see,” Miguel once said over a shared screen and a strong cup of espresso, “it’s no longer about the flashy animations and the sleek layouts. Now it’s about whether can you find what you need. Can you order your groceries without having to call your tech-savvy grandkid? That’s what’s vital.”
This opinion by Miguel echoed the sentiment of many web design experts worldwide. Accessibility had become king and functional design its queen.
Remote Accessibility: From Luxury to Survival
Miguel and his kin, in the design and development world, were suddenly burdened with a monumental task. They had to ensure remote accessibility for an array of products and services – not just for the tech-savvy or the privileged but for everyone. From groceries to banking, education to health services – everything was needed online, fast, and simple.
And boy! Did they deliver? It was like watching a symphony – coders and developers, working round the clock to convert services into code. Quite an orchestra indeed!
A Change of Interfaces: The User Comes First
Companies previously flaunting their flashy, intricate web designs were humbled overnight. The ‘new normal’ commanded interfaces that were easy to navigate, swift to load, and delivered exactly what the user sought. In short – user-friendly.
This was not the age of the fanciful; it was the age of the functional. “Why have a spinning globe when a simple menu can do?” Miguel would argue, and he was spot on.
Mobile Optimization: Catching Up With the Times
While adapting to the changes, there was an unexpected spotlight on mobile devices. Suddenly everyone – from Miguel’s young niece to his 80-year-old grandmother – was on their phones, searching, learning, buying, surviving.
Developers responded in kind, with responsive web designs that automatically adjusted, regardless of the device or screen size. A website that did not offer an equally pleasant experience on a mobile device as a computer? That was a cardinal sin in those times.
Engaging Virtually: The New Reality
The abrupt shift to online also led to another interesting development – virtual engagement. It was more than just providing a service or a product. Companies realized that with physical doors shut, their online platforms had to offer more to engage their customers.
So, virtual webinars replaced physical seminars. Live chat and video consultations took the place of in-person appointments. Shopping websites suddenly had a virtual trial feature. Interesting times indeed…
Agile in Change: Staying Strong in The Online Realm
An intriguing phenomenon was the speed at which changes were implemented. If nothing, these times taught businesses the value of being agile in their web presence.
“The web is like water,” Miguel would say, “it takes the shape of its container. Today the container is the pandemic. So, we shape around it. Tomorrow it will be something else. We will shape around that too.”
Wise words indeed from our Spanish developer.
Reflecting Onwards: Adopting Change for Survival
Looking back, Covid-19 brought about a digital transformation much more rapidly than anyone could have anticipated. This era of functional web design is here to stay. Companies must continue to adapt their websites, making them user-friendly and fully functional across devices.
Did you know, for instance, that Amazon made changes to its design, optimizing it for functional usage during the Covid breakout? Yes, even giants had to pivot.
The virtual world is ever-evolving, just like our real one. As we traverse through these changes, remember to thank the tireless efforts of our developers and designers, like Miguel, who keep this world running smoothly. Salud, Miguel!
