Web Technology - The Science Behind Web Design

How much technology does a Web site really need?

There are a huge number of technologies available to a Web developer. While some designers get by without understanding these, they are critical to making sites that perform well, offer unique interactivity or functionality, and meet Web standards that keep your site current for the foreseeable future.

Design alone is not enough. Having the proper "machinery" in your site is the other half of the equation. The following is a list of tools and technologies that Design Science employs in our designs:

 

Adobe Flash - animations, creative user interfaces, banners,

Dreamweaver - professional Web design tool, industry standard

Photoshop - most popular tools for creating Web graphics

Web Logs ("blogs") - enables site owner to post articles (various tools)

Content Management System (various tools) - allows users to publish to their site

E-Commerce store & shopping carts (various tools)

XHTML - web standard that helps separate content and layout

XML - data abstraction standard; excellent for data services

Swift 3D - 3D animation tool design for Web applications

JavaScript - client side programming language for page interactivity

PHP - server-side programming language

ColdFusion - application server for interactive Web sites

ActionScript - Programming (Flash); unlocks the full potential of Flash

MySQL/SQL Server - database servers for information-based sites

AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) - enable next-gen interactivity

Streaming Video (Windows Media, Flash, QuickTime)

Streaming Audio (MP3, Windows Media)

Python programming

C/C++ programming

 

What technologies should I consider to kick my site up a notch?

At Design Science we believe that concept and content are king. Technology shouldn't dictate what you do on your site, but can be invaluable to achieve the effect you desire. As you can see, we at Design Science have a big toolbox to choose from. Here are some favorites:

• Flash. Almost everyone on the Web knows about Flash. This very popular tool is available to almost every browser in the world and provides the ability to bring a Web site to life in many ways. Animation, unique interactive user interfaces, video, live information... all are possible with Flash.
• 3D. A little or a lot, depending on your needs. True 3D animation on a web site can add an exciting element to the design or can provide an unprecedented ability to demo a product or convey an idea.
• Content management system. An professional tool that allows a company's staff to contribute to editing and publishing their Web site. Permission features permit the administer to control which areas of the site individuals can work on.
• Video. This is a relatively new and fun addition to Web sites made possible by ubiquitous high-speed Internet access and cross-platform players. Imagine visitors being able to view videos that illustrate your business or product.