or a Bog-Standard Website?
Whether you are building an internet property that provides a desktop or mobile user experience, always bear in mind that each related platform has its own characteristics and considerations.
While desktop apps, mobile apps, and websites share common UX principles, they also have distinct characteristics and considerations based on platform-specific constraints and user expectations. Tailoring the user experience to each platform is essential for maximizing usability and satisfaction.
Today, when building an internet property, there are many routes to choose from. If you are seeking to build an online presence, that will allow you to generate some form of engagement with an audience that you wish to also do business with.
Options exclusively through third-party mediums such as social media platforms or e-commerce marketplaces are plentiful. While these platforms provide a ready-made audience and infrastructure, making it easier to establish an online presence quickly. Relying solely on third-party platforms can have its drawbacks.
For example, you have limited control over the platform's features, design, and functionality, which may not align with your brand image or business goals. As well as this, you are also subject to the platform's terms and conditions, which can change at any time and potentially impact your business.
Having your own business website is crucial, especially as it can easily be used in combination with any other online presence or marketing strategies you may have in place. Above all the different methods and strategies, building a website of your own is generally the simplest and most essential starting point for most new online businesses.
A standard website can serve as your virtual storefront, allowing potential customers to learn more about your business, buy products and services, and access support. It also provides a platform where you can showcase your brand identity, establish credibility, and communicate your unique value proposition.
When building a website, it's important to consider the user experience. A well-designed and user-friendly website will not only attract visitors but also keep them engaged and encourage them to explore further. Make sure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for different devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
A desktop app is a software application designed to run on desktop or laptop computers. It is typically installed directly onto the user's device and can take advantage of the full computing power and resources available.
Desktop apps can have complex functionalities, access to local storage, and integration with other desktop applications. They are built using programming languages like C++, Java, or .NET and can offer a rich and immersive user experience.
On the other hand, a mobile app is specifically designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Mobile apps are installed from app stores and are developed using platform-specific languages like Swift for iOS or Java / Kotlin for Android.
Generally mobile apps have a more focused and streamlined approach, leveraging mobile-specific features like touch gestures, push notifications, GPS, and camera. Mobile apps offer the advantage of portability, always being accessible on the go, and can provide a more personalized and interactive experience for users.
To develop desktop apps, developers can use frameworks like Electron or Qt, which allow for cross-platform development. For mobile app development, software development kits (SDKs) like Xcode for iOS or Android Studio for Android are commonly used. These platforms provide the necessary tools, libraries, and simulators/emulators for app development and testing. For website development, text editors, web development frameworks, and content management systems (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla are commonly utilized.
Websites, also known as web applications, are accessed through web browsers on various devices. They are built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Websites have a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and orientations, making them accessible on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Websites are versatile in terms of content delivery and can provide information, e-commerce functionality, interactive forms, multimedia content, and more. They are easily accessible without the need for installation and can be updated on the server-side.
To build websites, developers can use software like text editors (e.g., Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code) and web development frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js). For app development, software like Xcode (for iOS) and Android Studio (for Android) are commonly used. These software provide development environments, tools, and simulators/emulators for testing.
In terms of services, web hosting providers like Kinsta, SiteGround, or AWS can be used to host websites. Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal offer user-friendly interfaces for website creation and management. For app distribution, app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store are used.