Web 2.0 redefined with one word — responsibility

The term “Web 2.0” has been overused and has unfortunately oversaturated conversations to the point of being synonymous with industry ignorance. Like many leaders and followers of innovation – we role our eyes at the mere mention of the idea of the existence of such a term. Whether you like the term or not is a matter of semantics – the reality is that we’ve truly embarked upon a time of standards and sophistication that demand an evolutionary identifying mark. We have entered a moment that now more than ever before demands responsible design/development.

Responsible design requires that we realize and maximize the total potential of all technologies and utilities where applicable. Responsibility not only demands we know what is available, but that we also use these technologies in an appropriate manner. The concept of “AJAX”, for example, has been in existence for several years now. However, in this era of “Web 2.0”, we’re finally realizing a true and responsible use of JavaScript and XML, together no-less. Has this combination of technologies been in use far beyond the era of “Web 2.0”? Absolutely! However, what makes this point-in-time special is the mass standard and responsible use of this technology to deliver content in a richer and more user-centric/friendly experience. “CSS” is another famous acronym synonymous with the “Web 2.0” era. However, much like AJAX, CSS has been around, utilized and to some extent maximized years before its mass-adoption. What is unique about today is the responsible use of CSS – fully maximizing the technology to design beautiful visual concepts with absolutely clean and semantic mark-up. We live in an era where “if you can dream it, you can build it” – where websites almost perfectly mimic PhotoShop concepts in flawlessly semantic and valid mark-up.

Shakespeare said it best, “what’s in a name?” Forget about terms like “Web 2.0” or “Web Standards” – it is the concepts behind their conception that we need focus on; responsibility. As web designers and developers we all share one equal responsibility – give the user what they want. Sometimes that user is just you and your friends, other times that user is over 5 million people waiting for the latest on news and politics. Using AJAX, CSS, JavaScript, DOM, streaming video, podcasts, blogs or any other buzz-word-of-the-day concepts do not equate to “Web 2.0”. Unfortunately, these technologies typically relate to irresponsible design – great concepts misused and inappropriately placed.

The era we live in today is a time of “Responsible Design”. We live in a time where designs are not limited to right-angle corners because that is all the CSS border attribute allows. No longer do we need rely or even wait on page refreshes for simple user-server interactions. The foundation for design and development has been laid and whether we like it or not, the masses have termed that foundation “Web 2.0”. It is to us to ensure adoption of these base foundational requirements are utilized and implemented in a responsible and user-centric manner – today is the day we reshape the future.

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