2022 Web Development Trends, Mistakes, and Misconceptions: What You Need to Know

Discover the latest web development trends that will rule the web development world in 2022. Also, find some common web development mistakes and misconceptions business owners and web developers make. Read here to stay ahead in the industry!

“Figuring out what the next big trend is, tells us what we should focus on.”                                                                                      -Mark Zuckerberg

The web development world is constantly evolving. A significant launch or update changes the landscape and soars up the market competition every year.

Today, businesses compete with more than 1.5 billion websites and 5.2  billion internet users. The staggering count will hit 4.5 billion websites and 7.5 billion users by 2022.

In such a situation, businesses have to focus on website design, SEO, web development trends, and user experience more than ever before. Thereby, keeping up with the latest web development trends and avoiding some common mistakes can only save your business. 

Now, it's high time to get acquainted with the most happening technologies, lest you lag in this digitally-driven era. Many trends are blooming in the web development world, and it's hard to keep track of every single one of them. 

But, no worries! After comprehensive research and analysis, I have summarized some of the most popular web development trends for 2022. You'll also get to know some common web development mistakes and a few misconceptions businesses have about web development.

So, buckle up and read ahead to stay ahead in this race!

Top Web Development Trends 2022:

1. Artificial Intelligence For Better Customer Experience:

Artificial intelligence is one of the most popular trends in the web development world. It has already taken over many industries and will continue to do so in the future.

In web development, AI has several roles, such as chatbots, personal assistant tools, and customer service. It helps businesses interact with their customers more humanly, providing them with a better experience.

Let's get into the AI's role in improving customer experience in a little more detail.

Chatbots:

Chatbots are the most popular use of AI in customer service. They can help customers with various tasks such as product research, finding information about the company, and making purchases. 

Personal Assistant Tools: 

Personal assistant tools are used to manage and automate individual tasks. They can manage calendars, schedules, emails, and other such tasks. In web development, it manages customer data and interactions well.

For example:

Many companies worldwide use popular AI tools like IBM's Watson and Salesforce's Einstein to provide a better customer experience. The tool helped these companies predict the probability of a customer converting into a paying customer.

2. Blockchain Development for Security and Transparency:

Blockchain is the decentralized public ledger that records all types of transactions. It is secure, transparent, and tamper-proof.

Due to these features, Blockchain is being used in various industries for different purposes. In web development, it creates secure and transparent digital identities, contracts, and transactions.

Below are some of the popular Blockchain Applications used in Web Development:

a) Payment Gateway: 

Blockchain creates a secure payment gateway for online transactions. It reduces fraud risks and provides transparency to the buyers and sellers.

b) E-commerce Platform: 

The decentralized technology creates an e-commerce platform that is transparent, secure, and tamper-proof. It helps in reducing the risk of online fraud and prevents data theft.

c) Digital Identity Management: 

Companies can use Blockchain in building a digital identity management system that is secure and transparent. It helps in preventing data theft and identity fraud.

For example- 

In March 2018, IBM and Maersk partnered to create a blockchain-based shipping solution. The solution helped in streamlining the complex and paper-heavy process of global trade.

3. Progressive Web Applications for Mobile Optimization:

Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are web applications that look and feel like native mobile applications. They are built using standard web technologies and can be accessed on browsers without needing a separate mobile application.

PWAs are becoming popular because of their many advantages, such as:

a) Speed:

Progressive web applications are fast and can perform on low-end devices too.

b) Offline Access:

Businesses can access these applications offline too. If there is no internet connection, the user can still use the application. 

c) Cross-Platform Compatibility:

PWAs are compatible with all platforms and devices.

d) Low Data Usage: 

These applications utilize less data than native mobile applications.

e) Easy Installation:

PWAs have an easy installation process without needing a separate mobile application.

For example-

Twitter Lite is a progressive web application developed by Twitter. It was designed for users in developing countries with poor internet connectivity.

4. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality for Immersive Experiences:

Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology that blends digital content with the real world. Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation or recreation of a real-life environment or situation.

Both AR and VR are being used in various industries for different purposes. In web development, they can create immersive experiences for users.

See how these technologies aid web development-

a) AR for Product Visualization:

AR can be used in product visualization to provide a realistic product view. It helps in increasing the customer's confidence and reduces the chances of return.

b) VR for Training and Education:

VR can be used in training and education to provide a realistic and immersive experience. It helps in a better understanding of the subject matter and improves retention.

c) AR for Marketing and Advertising:

AR can be used in marketing and advertising to create engaging experiences. It helps in increasing the conversion rate and customer engagement.

d) VR for Website Design:

VR can be used in website design to provide a realistic view. It helps in assessing the usability and user experience of the website.

For example:

In 2015, IKEA launched an AR application that allowed users to visualize furniture in their homes. The application helped them make better decisions about the furniture they wanted to buy. 

5. Dark Mode for Better User Experience:

The dark mode is a display mode that reverses the screen's colors, making the background dark and the text light. Web developers are using it more and more because of its advantages such as-

a) Improved Battery life:

The screen consumes about 60% of battery power. Dark mode consumes less power than light mode, which results in improved battery life.

b) Reduced Eye Strain:

The dark mode also reduces eye strain as it is easier on the eyes. It is because the dark background minimizes the amount of light emitted from the screen.

c). Improved Contrast:

The dark mode also has an improved contrast as the dark background makes the text more visible.

d). Legibility: 

User Interfaces that use dark mode are typically more legible as the text and other elements contrast nicely with the dark background.

For example:

In March 2019, Twitter introduced a dark mode for its Android and iOS applications. The users well-received this mode as it improved the user experience.

6. Single Page Applications for Smooth Navigation:

See how SPAs help web development-

a) Faster Loading Times:

SPAs load faster as they only need to load the HTML page once. It contrasts to traditional web applications, which need to reload the page with every click.

b) Reduced Bandwidth Usage:

SPAs reduce bandwidth usage as they do not need to download additional files.

c) Seamless Navigation:

SPAs provide a seamless navigation experience as there is no need to reload the page. In contrast to traditional web applications, it requires the user to click on different links to navigate between pages.

For example-

In 2018, Google released its Material Design Lite (MDL) library, allowing developers to create SPAs using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

7. Use of Microservices for Scalability:

Microservices are a service-oriented architecture (SOA) in which services are small, independent, and modular. It makes them easy to develop, deploy, and manage.

See how microservices help web development-

a) Increased Scalability:

Microservices are scalable as they can be deployed on multiple servers. It helps in handling increased traffic and load.

b) Independent Deployment:

Microservices can be deployed independently, making it easier to manage and monitor them.

c) Fault Tolerance:

Microservices are fault-tolerant as they can continue to function even if one or more of their services are unavailable.

For example:

In 2017, Netflix announced the launch of its microservices platform, which helps develop and deploy microservices.

8. Serverless Architecture for Increased Efficiency:

Serverless architecture is a kind of cloud computing in which the user does not need to provision or manage any servers. It increases efficiency as users only need to worry about their code and not the underlying infrastructure.

See how serverless architecture helps web development-

a) Reduced Costs:

Serverless architecture reduces costs as the user does not need to purchase or maintain any servers.

b) Increased Efficiency:

Serverless architecture increases efficiency as users only need to worry about their code and not the underlying infrastructure.

c) Easier Maintenance:

Serverless architecture is easier to maintain as there is no need to manage any servers.

For example-

In 2018, Amazon released its AWS Lambda service, allowing developers to create serverless applications using JavaScript.

9. Voice Search Technology for Easier Navigation:

Voice search is a type of search engine in which the user can speak their query instead of typing it. It makes for a more convenient and easier navigation experience.

See how voice search helps web development-

a) Faster Searches:

Voice searches are faster than text-based searches as the user does not need to type in their query.

b) Convenient Navigation:

Voice search is more convenient than text-based search as users can speak their query instead of typing it. It makes for a more convenient and easier navigation experience.

c) Accurate Results:

Voice searches return accurate results as the user speaks their query instead of typing it.

For example-

In 2017, Google released its Google Home, and Amazon released its Echo devices, which allow users to conduct voice searches using their home assistants.

10. Internet of Things (IoT) for Smarter Applications:

IoT is a network of devices connected to the internet that can interact with each other. It allows for smarter applications that can interact with their users in real-time.

See how IoT helps web development-

a) Increased Interaction:

IoT-enabled applications can interact with their users in real-time, which allows for a more seamless user experience.

b) Smarter Applications:

IoT-enabled applications are smarter as they can interact with their users in real-time. It allows for a more seamless user experience.

c) Increased Connectivity:

IoT allows for the increased connectivity of devices, which helps develop more innovative applications.

For example:

In 2017, Samsung announced the launch of its Artik IoT platform, which allows developers to create IoT-enabled applications.

11. WebAssembly for Increased Speed:

“Fetching WebAssembly takes less time because it is more compact than JavaScript, even compressed."

                                                                                       -Lin Clark, Author at Mozilla Hacks

WebAssembly is a new standard that allows developers to create web applications that are faster and more efficient. It is a low-level language that can be run in browsers, allowing for faster and more reliable applications.

See how WebAssembly helps web development-

a) Faster Applications:

WebAssembly-enabled applications are faster as they are written in a low-level language.

b) More Reliable Applications:

WebAssembly-enabled applications are more reliable as they are written in a low-level language.

c) Cross-Platform Support:

WebAssembly allows for developing applications that can be run on multiple platforms, increasing flexibility.

For example-

In 2017, Google released its WebAssembly support for Chrome, which allows developers to create web applications that are faster and more efficient.

12. API Development for Easier Integration:

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are a set of protocols that allow applications to interact with each other. This allows for developing more efficient and seamless integrations between different applications.

See how API development helps web development-

a) Increased Efficiency:

API-enabled applications can interact more efficiently, which allows for a more seamless user experience.

b) Seamless Integrations:

API-enabled applications can interact more efficiently, allowing for seamless integrations between different applications.

c) Increased Flexibility:

API development allows for the increased flexibility of applications, which helps develop more efficient integrations.

For example-

In 2017, Facebook released its Graph API v3.0, allowing developers to integrate their applications with Facebook easily. It helped in the development of more efficient integrations between different applications.

13. Cloud-Based Development for Increased Scalability:

Cloud-based development allows developers to create applications that are hosted on remote servers. It allows for the development of applications that are more scalable and reliable.

See how cloud-based development helps web development-

a) More Scalable Applications:

Cloud-based development allows for the development of more scalable applications.

b) More Reliable Applications:

Cloud-based development allows for the development of more reliable applications.

c) Increased Flexibility:

Cloud-based development allows for the increased flexibility of applications, which helps develop more scalable and reliable applications.

For example-

In 2017, Amazon released its AWS Lambda service, which allows developers to create cloud-based applications that are more scalable and reliable.

14. Motion UI for Easier Animation:

Motion UI is a library that allows developers to create animations using simple CSS code. It allows for the development of more efficient animations and easier to use.

See how Motion UI helps web development-

a) Easier Animation:

Motion UI allows developers to create animations using simple CSS code, making the development process easier and more efficient.

b) More Efficient Animations:

Motion UI allows developers to create animations using simple CSS code, making the development process faster and more efficient.

c) Increased Flexibility:

Motion UI allows for the increased flexibility of animations, which helps develop more efficient and seamless animations.

For example-

In 2017, Airbnb released its Motion UI library, allowing developers to create animations using simple CSS code. It helped developers create animations that were more efficient and easier to use.

Top Web Development Mistakes

1). Developing Applications for One Platform:

Developing applications for one platform can limit the reach and usability of the application. It is essential to develop applications that can be run on multiple platforms, increasing flexibility.

2). Not Testing Applications on Multiple Browsers:

Not testing applications on multiple browsers can develop applications that are not compatible with specific browsers. It is important to test applications on various browsers to ensure compatibility.

3). Not Leveraging Third-Party Libraries and Frameworks:

It is important to use third-party libraries and frameworks to develop more efficient and reliable applications. Not leveraging third-party libraries and frameworks can lead to inefficient and buggy applications.

4). Not Using a CSS Framework:

Not using a CSS framework can lead to incorrect or inconsistent formatting applications. It is essential to use a CSS framework to ensure proper design and consistency.

5). Not Utilizing Version Control:

Not utilizing version control can lead to the development of applications with incorrect code. It is essential to use version control to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the application code.

6). Developing Applications without Testing:

Developing applications without testing can lead to the development of applications that are not fully functional. It is important to test applications thoroughly before releasing them to the public.

7). Not Utilizing a Style Guide:

Not utilizing a style guide can lead to inconsistent formatting and design applications. Using a style guide to ensure proper formatting and design is essential.

8). Developing Applications without Use Cases:

Developing applications without use cases can lead to the development of applications that are not fully functional. It is essential to create use cases for all applications to ensure fully functional.

9). Developing Applications without Documentation:

It is essential to document all applications for clarity and ease of use. Developing applications without documentation can lead to complex applications to understand and use.

10). Not Utilizing Error Handling Mechanisms:

Not utilizing error handling mechanisms can lead to the development of applications that are difficult to use and debug. It is essential to use error handling mechanisms to make the application more user-friendly.

Top Web Development Misconceptions Among Businesses

1). Web Development Is Expensive & Time-consuming:

Many businesses believe that web development is costly and time-consuming, deterring them from investing in it. However, this is not always the case, as many affordable and efficient web development frameworks are available.

2). Web development Is Only for Large Businesses:

Many businesses also believe that web development is only for large companies, which is not always the case. Small businesses can also benefit from web development by increasing their visibility and reach.

3). Web Development Is Only For Tech-savvy People:

Another misconception about web development is that it is only for tech-savvy people. However, this is not the case, as anyone with the proper instruction can learn web development.

4). Web Development Is Outdated:

Some businesses also believe that web development is outdated and no longer necessary. However, this is not the case, as web development is essential for any business’s online presence. 

5) Web Development Is Only For Creating Websites:

Some businesses believe that web development is only for creating websites. However, this is not the case, as web development can create various online applications.

Conclusion 

So, what can we expect from web development in 2022? We anticipate that AI, IoT, cloud, and Blockchain will grow more. They will have an indispensable role in the coming days too. As discussed above, all these technologies are competent enough to give your brand a competitive edge in the market.

As far as it's about common web development mistakes and misconceptions, we advise businesses not to skimp on quality when it comes to web design or development—both factors play a role in your website's success.