Web design features that will dominate in 2014

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Web design remains a complex and skilled art that many try their hand at but few master. One of the key ways to find inspiration at a time when it seems scarce is to look at the latest trends within an industry. That’s why we’re going to take the time to look at some of the key web design features that are expected to dominate 2014:

Web apps

Though smartphone apps are more or less ubiquitous, the idea of apps within a web browser has only become more common during the last couple of years. We expect it to become even more popular during 2014. Google’s Chrome App Launcher is currently in the process of taking the idea to a more mainstream place, with web technologies being deployed to create applications running live on the web but with the ability to also store information offline. Expect more development this year.

HTML 5

Though HTML5 remains a common tool in terms of providing power to web apps, it’s rarely given it’s dues in terms of performance. We’d hardly be surprised to see it used more and more frequently during the upcoming year or so for a variety of different web design functions.

Responsive design

In a world where SEO is focused more and more around a number of different devices, it’s important to ensure that responsive design plays a part in any modern website. The ability to be fully functional on all of the main devices remains an invaluable ability that will only become even more important as the digital marketing age develops.

Photos. Massive ones.

Whilst the previous age of online promotion was focused substantially around lots of text (so as to be more visible to search engines) things have changed, and it’s anticipated that quality photos will play a big part in a website’s design during 2014. It’s definitely a great way to attract attention, after al!

The infinity scrolls

Though it sounds like something out of a Harry Potter novel, infinity scrolls (the ability to automatically load a new post when the reader reaches the bottom of the current page) may well play a key part in websites during 2014, especially those that rely solely on content. Though it’s considered controversial by some people (in a sense, it does take away the decision from the user), it will still likely play a key part in the design process of many sites going forward.

The Latest in Web Design Trends

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There is no better time to go through the latest in web design trends than at the start of the New Year. New trends are becoming popular while many of the old are becoming something to avoid. No matter if you are designer or a client, keeping up to date with these trends can benefit your visitors.

By Muhammad Rafizeldi (MRafizeldi) (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By Muhammad Rafizeldi (MRafizeldi) (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

    1. Content is still king. It is very important that you focus all your energy in providing the highest quality of content to your visitors. It may be information about your company’s new products, or perhaps it may be a web base tool for users to sort out documents. No matter what your website does, make sure it is high in user useability and contains information that hits the spot. Content should not be copied from elsewhere. One great way to ensure your content is unique is to use a website like Copyscape to check it.

 

    1. HTML5 and CSS3 effects have been buzzing throughout the design community since they were released. The biggest advantage of using them is that they load faster than traditional animated GIFs and are supported in many modern devices including tablets and smartphones. Fortunately for those starting out, many online tools are available to generate HTML5 and CSS5 codes such as using a CSS generator. It is also a good idea to verify your code using a validation service.

 

    1. Full size photos and videos are becoming increasingly popular. In the past, they were used as headers but according to the trends seen this year, many webmasters are also making their backgrounds from large videos. The videos are however not your traditional video. They usually have a darker contrast, lighter images and usually no sound.

 

    1. The popularity of smartphones has led to users being attracted to app style interfaces. One reason why this might be the case is due to the multiple styles of devices that are currently on the market. Many websites can now be accessed via both computer and handheld devices.

 

  1. The last growing trend is the inclination towards responsive design, which relates back to the previous point. Basically it is the usage of CSS to render the display of a website to adjust to the screen in accordance to the device it is displayed on. This means the user does not need to download a separate app or be redirected to another website if they are using a mobile device.

Call a PHP script from Magento

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I recently had some difficulty calling a simple PHP script from within the Magento eCommerce Platform. Although the following example focuses on calling a VoltRank PHP script, you can replace the code within VRank.phtml with your own PHP script.

VoltRank PHP Script Installation in Magento

Create a new template file to contain the PHP. The file should reside within the ‘template’ directory. I have put the file within the “catalog/category” subdirectory:

VoltRank VRank.phtml in template Directory

VoltRank VRank.phtml in template Directory

Copy and paste your PHP code into the .phtml file:

VoltRank PHP Code

VoltRank PHP Code

Call PHP from Magento Static Block

Using the Magento GUI interface, navigate to CMS->Static Blocks and select the block to be edited. In this case, I am editing the Footer Left block. Create the highlighted code to call the template code.

Magento Call Voltrank to PHP code

Magento Call Voltrank to PHP code


{{block type= 'catalog/navigation' name='catalog.category' template='catalog/category/VRank.phtml'}}

Call VoltRank PHP Script from Magento – Troubleshooting

If it looks like the PHP script is not being called, then take steps to debug by turning on display of errors in index.php. Uncomment this line:

#ini_set('display_errors', 1);

Any errors should then display on the page if there is a problem with the PHP. Otherwise, your Magento eCommerce CMS should be successfully calling your VoltRank PHP code!

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