Web design is broadly categorised into three types based on the combination of the features used to build the site and its purpose and functionality. A website with clear, uncomplicated layout that all users see the same material, and a web developer must manually make any modifications. A website that is dynamically altered in response to user interactions and back-end data. Or a website’s design that adapts to the size of the device or screen being used to view it is known as responsive web design. Flexible grid layouts, pictures, and CSS media queries are used in responsive web design to make sure the website appears excellent and functions well on all platforms, including desktop computers and mobile phones.
The optimal style of web design for a given website will rely on the individual requirements and objectives of the website owner and its target audience. Each type of web design has its own benefits and limits.
Static Website
In a static website, both the content and the layout are fixed and unchanging. It doesn’t alter dynamically in response to user activities or back-end data. Static website designs are frequently used for small enterprises, personal websites, and brochure-style websites since they are typically clear and easy to use.
HTML, CSS, and occasionally JavaScript are used to create static webpages, which are frequently hosted on a basic web server. Although they are often less complicated, more affordable to develop, and more functional than dynamic websites, they do not offer the same amount of interactivity and functionality.
A web developer must manually make changes to the content or design of a static website, which necessitates reloading the page. Despite these drawbacks, static websites remain a viable alternative for people who do not want a highly interactive or dynamic online presence and can still be beneficial for certain types of websites.
Example of static website
Static webpage examples include:
- blogs or personal websites with little-to-no content updates and a consistent design.
- websites for small businesses that offer details on the organisation, its goods and services.
- websites that function as product or service brochures and don’t require user participation or dynamic updates.
- landing pages that advertise a particular service, occasion, or deal.
- public informational resources and services provided by non-profit organisations, educational institutions, and governmental bodies.
- portfolios of graphic designers, photographers, and other artists.
- simple product or corporate brochures.
- Archived webpages or outdated historical content are also examples.
Static websites are a fantastic option for individuals who need a simple online presence and don’t need a lot of interactivity or dynamic material because they are frequently simple and simple to develop and maintain.
Dynamic website
Depending on user interactions and data from the back end, a dynamic website can modify its content and layout on the fly. E-commerce sites, social media platforms, news websites, and other websites requiring real-time updates and user participation frequently utilise dynamic websites because they give users a more involved and engaging experience.
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side programming languages like PHP, Ruby on Rails, or ASP.NET are used to build dynamic websites design. They are connected to a database, which houses the data and content that is shown on the website, and are hosted on a web server. On a dynamic website, when a user requests a page, the web server retrieves the necessary data from the database and instantly creates the page’s HTML code based on the user’s interactions and the database’s contents. In reaction to user interactions, the website’s content and layout can change dynamically without having to reload the page. Although dynamic websites provide a more flexible and engaging online experience than static websites, they are also more difficult to develop and maintain. They are a wonderful option for individuals who demand real-time updates, user involvement, and a more complex online presence.
Example of dynamic website
Dynamic website examples include:
- websites for online shopping that let customers explore products, add items to their carts, and complete transactions.
- social media platforms that enable users to communicate with friends, exchange material, and engage in real-time conversation, like Facebook and Twitter.
- websites for news that offer the most recent information about current events in sports, entertainment, and other fields.
- Users can post comments, ask questions, and share information on online discussion boards and forums.
- websites that help people find jobs, build and manage their online profiles, and submit job applications.
- websites for travel that let customers look for and reserve flights, lodging, and rental vehicles online.
- online markets that let consumers purchase and sell goods and services, like Amazon and eBay.
- Users can take courses and obtain certifications using online learning sites like Coursera and Udemy.
Dynamic websites are ideal for websites that need real-time changes and user interaction since they offer a more interactive and interesting online experience. Additionally, they are a smart option for companies that need to control and present massive volumes of data and material online.
Responsive website
The layout and content of a website are modified to accommodate various screen sizes and devices on a responsive website, a sort of website design. Due to this, the website may be browsed without any functionality or content loss on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Flexible layouts, graphics, and CSS media queries are utilised by responsive websites to change their style according to the viewer’s device and screen size. This makes it possible to see and navigate the website with ease on a variety of devices, from giant desktop monitors to small smartphones. In today’s mobile-first world, when more and more people use their smartphones and tablets to access the internet, responsive websites are becoming more and more crucial. Regardless of the viewing device, a responsive website offers a consistent and ideal user experience. Responsive websites not only offer a better user experience but are also more search engine friendly and can raise search engine rankings. This is because, regardless of the device being used to visit the site, search engines favour websites that are mobile-friendly and offer a positive user experience. A crucial component of contemporary web design, responsive websites are ideal for companies and organisations that need to reach a wide range of customers online.
