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 technologies and tools that Design Science employs in our designs.

Technologies

Adobe Flash - animations, interactive user interfaces, banners, 3D animation.

Ruby on Rails - an application framework -permits building complex data driven sites rapidly.

Blogs ("Web Logs") - enables site owner to post articles, increase community awareness, and improve search engine ranking.

Content Management Systems- allows site owners to easily publish content to their site without requiring technical knowledge.

E-Commerce - store & shopping carts - creates a custom designed online store that's easy to shop and expore.

PHP - high-performance server-side programming language.

JavaScript - client side programming language for page interactivity.

AJAX - enables user interactivity without having to reload a page.

ActionScript - Programming language - unlocks the full potential of Adobe Flash.

XHTML - web standard that separates content and layout.

XML - data abstraction standard; excellent for data services.

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

Python - programming language used to create Google search engine.

ColdFusion - application framework for interactive Web sites.

Streaming Video (Windows Media, Flash, QuickTime)

Streaming Audio (MP3, Windows Media)

Tools

Dreamweaver - professional Web design tool for creating standards-compliante sites.

Photoshop / Illustrator - popular tools for creating Web graphics.

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

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.
• 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.

• 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.