What is Web 2.0? This is IT!

If you have recently Googled on web design, you have found more and more information about the use of Web 2.0 in current web design. From a design standpoint, Web 2.0 encompasses both simplicity and user interaction. According to the Internet World Stats, there was a huge increase of internet users from 2000 to 2009 of about 399.3%! More people than ever are aware of the benefits of information technology and its impact on an individual’s daily life.

Let’s take a quick look at Facebook statistics; there are more than 400 million users who spend 500 billion minutes per month, which translates to users spending an average of 3 to 4 hours a day. This statistic clearly shows the potential success of Web 2.0 in providing a user interface that is highly functional in contributing to the increase of user network participation. People are interacting with each other, exchanging ideas and information, sharing creativeness in arts, etc. Enter Web 2.0 and a new phase in web technology to assist in this effort.

What in the World is Web 2.0?

Many definitions are currently being given. The bottom line is that this is not the ‘newest’ version of some software, i.e. Web 2.0 replaces Web 1.0. It has been called the “Era of Interfaces,” reflecting the emergence of internet-based tools and a philosophy on how to use them. It is the beginning of a new era in technology transitioning the internet to a full participatory web both by humans and machines. It has created the use of technologies to enhance the interactive, participatory experience for users.

What are the Common Features of Web 2.0?

In regards to web design, Web 2.0 encompasses focused, clean and simple design. Simplicity drives viewers to look at your content; too many ‘things’ causes viewers to lose focus and be unable to find what they are looking for. With the interaction that is inherent with Web 2.0 design, you are compelled to look at the content and interact, which is a big emphasis with Web 2.0.

Web 2.0 has two main themes: the Read/Write Web with social software joining two or more groups with inter-communication and collaboration; and the Web as a Platform of programming that allows communication between two or more software applications. The novelty is that users are and will drive the success of 2.0, not vice versa.

Does Web 2.0 Affect Web Design SEO Strategies?

The answer is most certainly yes. On the positive side, blogs and wikis are optimal for SEO and Google really likes blogs. On the negative side, some of the Web 2.0 enhancements do not react well with the search engine spiders. As Web 2.0 gives us new ways to revitalize our content, it will be necessary for SEO strategy to evolve.

Do I Need Web 2.0 Included on my Website?

Accepting that Web 2.0 is more about how the web is being used than about new tools being developed to enhance participation among human and machines, then the answer is a definite “yes.” Web 2.0 can provide a long-term advantage to its end-users (your customers!) by elevating the quality of their interaction: ease in exchanging thoughts, explaining each others views, sharing experiences and even giving comments about a certain product.

Web 2.0 has become a popular term and has brought about newer technology as well as the better use of existing technology. Information is being shared more and this mobility in the web design realm has necessitated a fundamental separation of data from display style. The benefits that these changes bring to web design will be enormous and in any given circumstance will be very helpful for clients and end-users alike.

Chris Hunter is an expert in website design and Houston SEO Services.