What could be the big web development stories in 2024?

The web design and development landscape constantly evolves, with new trends and technologies always emerging. Here are some of the big stories that might dominate web development in 2024

Software as a Service (SaaS) Implications

SaaS is expected to continue evolving, significantly impacting how businesses operate. The implications of SaaS for businesses in 2024 will likely centre around increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovation.

• Cost Efficiency: SaaS will continue to offer a cost-effective solution for businesses, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By subscribing to software services, companies can avoid significant upfront investments in software and hardware, instead paying for what they use. This model facilitates budget management and reduces the financial risks associated with expensive software purchases.
• Advanced Integration and Automation: In 2024, SaaS solutions will likely provide more advanced integration capabilities, seamlessly connecting various business functions like CRM, ERP, and marketing automation. Such integration will enhance efficiency and data accessibility, streamlining processes and reducing the dependence on multiple standalone applications.
• Customisation and Scalability: SaaS platforms are set to offer increased customisation, catering to the specific needs of different industries and businesses. Enhanced scalability will enable businesses to adjust their usage and features in line with growth and changing requirements. Enhanced scalability will allow businesses to adjust their usage and features based on growth and changing requirements.
• Enhanced Security and Compliance: As businesses become more reliant on digital solutions, SaaS providers will likely emphasise security and compliance, offering robust solutions that protect sensitive data and adhere to regulatory standards.
• Remote Work Enablement: The proliferation of SaaS facilitates and supports the growing remote work trend. In 2024, SaaS will likely offer more features that aid remote collaboration, communication, and productivity, further enabling a distributed workforce.
• AI and Machine Learning Integration: SaaS solutions will increasingly incorporate AI and machine learning, providing businesses smarter tools for data analysis, customer relationship management, and predictive analytics.

Overall, in 2024, SaaS will feature more sophisticated, integrated, and user-friendly solutions, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently, adapt quickly to market changes, and reduce operational costs.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will become more mainstream.

AR and VR have existed for a few years but are still relatively niche technologies. However, that is expected to change in 2024 as the cost of hardware and software decreases, and the technology becomes more accessible to a broader audience. AR and VR are already used in various web applications, such as product visualisation, virtual tours, and education. As the technology matures, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for AR and VR in the web design and development space. (more info)

In 2002, we worked on an AR/VR project for the MoD, and there are some clear benefits regarding training. One of our teams has been developing VR to train construction staff on how to work safely on tall buildings. We’re also working with Real Estate companies on showcasing properties using VR.

VR is currently niched in entertainment for the masses, but tools like Google Cardboard and the ability to view VR content in a browser could open up the market to businesses use next year. 

Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest 2 and PlayStation VR2 will continue to lead the way in the entertainment world.

No-code and low-code development will continue to grow in popularity.

No-code and low-code development platforms allow businesses to create web applications without writing much code. This makes it possible for more people to create web applications, even if they don’t have much programming experience. No-code and low-code platforms are expected to become even more popular in 202. 

Check out our article To Code or Not to Code for more information.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasingly important role in web design and development.

AI is already used in various web applications, such as chatbots, personalisation, and content creation. As AI becomes more sophisticated, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for AI in web design and development. For example, AI could create more personalised user experiences, generate engaging content, and even design websites and applications.

Progressive web apps (PWAs) will become more widely adopted.

PWAs, or Progressive Web Apps, are web applications that users can install on their devices and use offline. They function more like native apps while remaining accessible through the web. In 2024, developers expect wider adoption of PWAs for web development due to their many benefits over traditional web applications, including faster loading times, push notifications, and offline functionality.

We do have concerns: 

• Apple & Microsoft control about 84% (Chrome 63.51% and Safari 20.4%) of the browser market. 
• Apple App Store generated $86.8 billion in 2022. We don’t have data from Google’s Play Store, but it won’t be far behind.

With these figures in mind, it’s hard to imagine both companies choosing to allow PWAs access to features that would harm their store revenues. 

Our key takeaway is that native apps aren’t going away any time soon.

Design systems will become more critical for creating consistent and scalable designs.

A Design systems consists of reusable components and guidelines, allowing for the creation of consistent and scalable designs across multiple products or platforms. Design systems are becoming increasingly important as businesses develop more and more complex web applications. In 2024, we expect more firms to adopt design systems to improve their design and development processes.

Web 3.0, will it ever happen?

“Web 3.0,” a term first introduced by John Markoff in 2006, represents the next phase of the Internet. Emphasising decentralisation, enhanced user utility, and the integration of AI, machine learning, and blockchain. Unlike Web 2.0, which focuses on centralised platforms, Web 3.0 could feature open-source software and decentralised systems driven by blockchain technology. This shift will allow the Internet to process data in a more human-like manner, providing personalised experiences, superior search functionalities, and advanced app interfaces.

By 2024, Web 3.0’s impact on businesses, particularly smaller ones, will depend on the accessibility and maturity of its foundational technologies. Sectors with high digital integration, such as fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce, are more likely early adopters. 

Key factors influencing its adoption include the network effect, cryptocurrency concerns, and environmental aspects of blockchain technologies.

Can it build a network effect, or will it always be niche? Decentralised Social Media is attractive, but do users have the patience? Are there applications for Estate Agents?

Conclusion

Approaching 2024, we witness a dynamic evolution in the web design and development landscape. Key trends, such SaaS, AR/VR technologies, and AI platforms, promise to transform our interaction with technology. AI played a huge role in 2023 and the pace is still accelerating.

However, challenges like market dominance by big players and the uncertainty surrounding adopting Web 3.0 pose questions for the industry. At Devstars, we stand ready to navigate these changes, providing cutting-edge solutions tailored to your business needs.

Keen to stay ahead with web development in 2024? Connect with Devstars. Whether it’s harnessing the latest technologies or preparing for upcoming trends, we’re here to guide you through. Reach out today, and let’s collaboratively shape a future-proof digital strategy.