Web sites were designed to quickly deliver information.  In the beginning, the format of the content wasn’t as important as the information itself.  People would navigate through endless pages of text that wasn’t that different from a bunch of printed pages.  Since there weren’t as many alternatives as the ones we have now, browsing through these text-based sites was okay.  But people was expecting a lot more from their technologies than shoulder pads, tinfoil attire and astronaut ice-cream.

We wanted to get inside of our computers and recreate (if not improve) the world around us.

Much to the dismay of some concerned parents, video games were a decisive influence in the evolution of new media.  Programmers and developers were looking for new ways that immersed gamers in the experience.  Many experiments on virtual reality and graphic design set up the bases for further technological development.  Gaming platforms helped to create new approaches to technology.  Some of them were too expensive, uncomfortable or non-compatible with other systems.  But programming and design principles that were proven to be effective set some of the interactivity standards for Internet 2.0

Once the novelty washed off, web developers were facing an unusual situation:  software was both affordable and easy to understand, but the flashy, trendy, futuristic hope of the mid-90’s was coming to an end.  Trends that once were innovative became annoying overnight.  It was time to wake up and smell the coffee:  The future was there.

So, what was the next big thing after rave parties and ska revival bands?

Phone modems became obsolete and new data transmission devices allowed faster responses from servers.  Immediacy became crucial and not just one privilege.  The immediacy and the mighty hand of media corporations pushed a mindset where the Web was no longer this anarchic space of expression and turned into a reliable source of information that was quick and affordable as well.  The treats of the past become the demands of the future.

Companies found out that interactivity could go beyond novelty values and be a tool.

• Interactivity improved the navigation experience and made web-surfing a more intuitive process than it ever was.
• Browsing for specific information got faster when it was possible to search data through interactive menus.
• Integrations of different multimedia plug-ins and formats allowed faster, more compelling transmissions and ways to give and receive contents
• Interactivity enhanced the Internet experience for users with disabilities so they could benefit from immediacy and availability of content with no further problems.
• Interaction allowed marketeers to study their targets on a real-time scenario as they react, discard and assimilate information.

The way we have assimilated new media changed the way market campaigns are planned nowadays.  Reaching people is no longer a game of patience.  Interaction allows people to quickly react towards stimuli and the real challenge is to get their interest in no time.  Calls to action, concise content, bogus-free web design:  people are willing to interact with companies as long as you don’t waste their time.  Never forget that people spend more time on other sites but, most important:

Never, ever forget:  you’re dealing with human beings that interact with information through their senses.

Are you looking for exciting and affordable web site design solutions?  Check us out.  We build sites that make your visitors hope for further interaction.