Key Principles and Trends of Web Design and Development for Your Business Growth

Your potential customers can't find your latest product?

Distributors struggle to access real-time inventory data?

Internal processes slow down and stop because of outdated software?

 

Sounds like a scene from a nightmare, right?  Unfortunately, for many businesses, it's a harsh reality.

The truth is, that the way products are manufactured and distributed is changing. The days of clunky catalogs and manual order processing are fading away. Today customers expect a seamless online experience. As Google reports, 88% of online shoppers are less likely to return to a website after a bad user experience. And 79% of people in the USA mentioned that they’re more likely to revisit and/or share a mobile site if it is easy to use. Manufacturers need efficient internal systems to keep up with the pace of innovation, driven by factors like the rise of ecommerce and the increasing adoption of automation technologies.

This article will look into the key web design and development principles that can transform your business and explore the latest trends that are shaping the future of the industry.
 

Key Web Design and Development Principles for Manufacturers and Distributors:

 

1. User Experience (UX)

 

Nowadays, the key to a successful website (both customer-facing and internal) is a user-friendly experience (UX). A website where finding product information feels like navigating a maze, or an internal application is so complex that it requires a specialist to operate doesn’t exactly look like a recipe for success, right?

UX is all about creating interfaces that are intuitive, easy to navigate, and load quickly. Clear menus, logical layouts, and search functionality all contribute to a positive UX that keeps users engaged and coming back for more. When it comes to internal applications, a well-designed UX can significantly improve employee productivity and streamline workflows.

2. Mobile-First Approach

 

Remember the days when people primarily browsed the web on desktop computers? Those days are long gone. Today, mobile devices predominate. In fact, over 60% of all website traffic worldwide from June 2023 to June 2024 came from mobile devices (excluding tablets).
This means if your website isn't mobile-responsive – meaning it adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes – you're potentially alienating a huge chunk of your audience.

 

Source: StatCounter Global Stats - Platform Comparison Market Share

A mobile-friendly website ensures a smooth user experience for customers browsing your products on their phones. It also allows distributors to access critical information and place orders while on the go. Don't let your business get stuck in the desktop era.

3. Integration with Existing Systems

 

Many manufacturers and distributors struggle with legacy systems – outdated software that may not integrate well with newer technologies. This can create data silos and communication constraints, and slow down operational efficiency.

Legacy transformation can help you integrate custom solutions with your existing infrastructure, enabling seamless data flow and improved efficiency.

By focusing on these key web design and development principles, you can create a digital foundation that supports your business growth.

 

Trends in Web Design and Development

The world of web design and development is constantly evolving. Here are a few trends to follow in 2024:

 

UX/UI Trends

 

Micro-interactions: Subtle animations and interactive elements that enhance user engagement and provide feedback. Some examples of micro-interactions include highlighting the text or the button when you hover over it, emoji appearing after some reaction.

Focus on Accessibility: Ensuring websites are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.

 

Balance between Personalization and Privacy: Combining empathy and education while tailoring content and recommendations, at the same time showing respect and transparency.

Minimalism and Bento Box Design: Prioritizing easy navigation and uncluttered interfaces to make the website more appealing and eye-catching.

 

Voice Search Optimization: Designing websites to be easily discoverable through voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.

Augmented and Virtual Reality: AR allowing users to visualize products in their environment using smartphones or tablets. VR creating immersive product demonstrations or training simulations.
If you want to be modern and up-to-date, try these trends to enhance customer engagement and stay ahead of the competition.

 

Development Trends

 

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Web applications that offer app-like functionality and can be installed on a user's home screen They offer amazing user experience and features like push notifications and offline access to cached content.

Serverless architecture: Offloading backend tasks to the cloud, allowing developers to focus on core functionalities.

API-driven development: Building applications that leverage APIs to integrate with external services.

Static Site Generators (SSGs): Tools that create high-performance websites from pre-written content, improving loading times.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Integrating AI features like chatbots for customer service or product recommendations.

Internet of Things (IoT): Integrating with IoT devices to collect real-time data and improve operational efficiency.

 

Devvela stays at the forefront of these trends by continuously learning and adopting new technologies. Our team of developers is passionate about innovation and can help you incorporate these trends into custom solutions that meet your business needs.

Stay informed about the latest trends and partner with Devvela to implement these trends into your operations.