| The Internet didn't begin as an elaborate means of | | | | browser technologies, it could have had a very |
| communication for people around the world. In fact, it | | | | detrimental effect on the Internet as we know it |
| was created in the 1960s as a way to transfer data | | | | today. |
| between computers via telephone lines. This allowed | | | | Technological Advances in Web Design |
| the transfer of information to and from scientists and | | | | Web design has been divided into "generations." |
| military personnel in a very efficient manner. It wasn't | | | | First-generation websites were primarily text with |
| until the early 1980s that the Internet became more | | | | minimal graphics. Their basic design made it much |
| readily available to doctors, educators, businesses and | | | | easier for slower modems to transfer the information |
| government agencies. | | | | in a short amount of time. Second-generation |
| Early Web Design | | | | websites were a little more complicated, with more |
| By the late 1980s, the Internet was being introduced | | | | abilities available via HTML. Third-generation websites |
| as a means of communication for anyone with a | | | | brought the inclusion of colored backgrounds and |
| computer, modem and telephone line. In 1993, a new | | | | animated images. |
| freeware browser program called Mosaic was | | | | Today's websites are considered the fourth |
| developed. The success of the program amazed | | | | generation. Websites are vibrant and full of color. |
| everyone. Within one year, about two million people | | | | XML, JavaScript and Flash are just a few of the |
| used the program to view documents they could | | | | advanced techniques that allow each individual |
| access via the Internet. The documents were | | | | website to be completely unique. We now have the |
| designed to be viewed using hypertext markup | | | | ability to use code to bring websites to life. |
| language, or HTML. The first websites, now called | | | | Technological advances have given people the ability |
| "first generation sites," had limited graphics, a lot of | | | | to add small scripted programs to their websites |
| text and a linear layout. Their function was to deliver | | | | from the comfort of their home. As a result, web |
| information, not to entertain or amaze viewers. | | | | designers can add interactive elements, produce |
| During that time, the websites were delivered via | | | | videos or create games to include in websites they |
| dial-up modems over telephone lines. Modems had a | | | | design. |
| very slow transfer rate, so web pages had to have | | | | The W3C still governs coding techniques and provides |
| small file sizes for easier accessibility. | | | | the guidelines by which websites are created. Smart |
| Why the W3C Was Established | | | | web designers stick to those practices and guidelines |
| The World Wide Web Consortium, or W3C, was | | | | and keep up-to-date on any changes the W3C |
| established in 1994. Goals and standards were set for | | | | makes. When designers adhere to the basic rules set |
| the future of web design. HTML was designated as | | | | forth by the W3C, search engines and browsers can |
| the primary coding language for future web design | | | | more easily find and index each individual website. |
| endeavors. HTML version 1 was limited but could be | | | | Web design is very versatile. The introduction of |
| built upon. Today, we have versions 2, 3 and 4 and | | | | technologies such as high-speed and wireless Internet |
| other variations. The standards set by the W3C have | | | | has allowed web designers to be more creative with |
| made it nearly impossible for large companies to | | | | their designs. Websites do not have to conform to |
| create specific web browsers and potentially develop | | | | first-generation standards any longer and can |
| a monopoly on web design code. If one company | | | | therefore be more attractive and useful to viewers. |
| had been allowed to dominate web design and | | | | |