Breadcrumbs, once a staple in web design, have become obsolete in today’s non-linear, context-driven web, where dynamic and personalized navigation systems take precedence. Modern navigation focuses on intelligent, search-first, and adaptive solutions that better cater to user needs and expectations.
It might surprise you that a distinction exists regarding the word “component,” especially in front-end development, where “component” is often used and associated with front-end frameworks and libraries. A component is a code that encapsulates a specific functionality and presentation. Components in front-end applications have a similar function: building reusable user interfaces. However, their implementations are different.
Web — or “framework-agnostic” — components are standard web technologies for building reusable, self-sustained HTML elements. They consist of Custom Elements, Shadow DOM, and HTML template elements. On the other hand, framework components are reusable UIs explicitly tailored to the framework in which they are created. Unlike Web Components, which can be used in any framework, framework components are useless outside their frameworks.
Some critics question the agnostic nature of Web Components and even go so far as to state that they are not real components because they do not conform to the agreed-upon nature of components. This article comprehensively compares web and framework components, examines the arguments regarding Web Components agnosticism, and considers the performance aspects of Web and framework components.
What Makes A Component?
Several criteria could be satisfied for a piece of code to be called a component, but only a few are essential:
Reusability is the primary purpose of a component, as it emphasizes the DRY (don’t repeat yourself) principle. A component should be designed to be reused in different parts of an application or across multiple applications. Also, a component should be able to accept data (in the form of props) from its parent components and optionally pass data back through callbacks or events. Components are regarded as self-contained units; therefore, they should encapsulate their logic, styles, and state.
If there’s one thing we are certain of, framework components capture these criteria well, but what about their counterparts, Web Components?
Understanding Web Components
Web Components are a set of web APIs that allow developers to create custom, reusable HTML tags that serve a specific function. Based on existing web standards, they permit developers to extend HTML with new elements, custom behaviour, and encapsulated styling.
Web Components are built based on three web specifications:
Each specification can exist independently, but when combined, they produce a web component.
The Custom Elements API makes provision for defining and using new types of DOM elements that can be reused.
// Define a Custom Element
class MyCustomElement extends HTMLElement {
constructor() {
super();
}
connectedCallback() {
this.innerHTML = `
<p>Hello from MyCustomElement!</p>
`;
}
}
// Register the Custom Element
customElements.define('my-custom-element', MyCustomElement);
The Shadow DOM has been around since before the concept of web components. Browsers have used a nonstandard version for years for default browser controls that are not regular DOM nodes. It is a part of the DOM that is at least less reachable than typical light DOM elements as far as JavaScript and CSS go. These things are more encapsulated as standalone elements.
// Create a Custom Element with Shadow DOM
class MyShadowElement extends HTMLElement {
constructor() {
super();
this.attachShadow({ mode: 'open' });
}
connectedCallback() {
this.shadowRoot.innerHTML = `
<style>
p {
color: green;
}
</style>
<p>Content in Shadow DOM</p>
`;
}
}
// Register the Custom Element
customElements.define('my-shadow-element', MyShadowElement);
HTML Templates API enables developers to write markup templates that are not loaded at the start of the app but can be called at runtime with JavaScript. HTML templates define the structure of Custom Elements in Web Components.
// my-component.js
export class MyComponent extends HTMLElement {
constructor() {
super();
this.attachShadow({ mode: 'open' });
}
connectedCallback() {
this.shadowRoot.innerHTML = `
<style>
p {
color: red;
}
</style>
<p>Hello from ES Module!</p>
`;
}
}
// Register the Custom Element
customElements.define('my-component', MyComponent);
<!-- Import the ES Module -->
<script type="module">
import { MyComponent } from './my-component.js';
</script>
Web Components are often described as framework-agnostic because they rely on native browser APIs rather than being tied to any specific JavaScript framework or library. This means that Web Components can be used in any web application, regardless of whether it is built with React, Angular, Vue, or even vanilla JavaScript. Due to their supposed framework-agnostic nature, they can be created and integrated into any modern front-end framework and still function with little to no modifications. But are they actually framework-agnostic?
Framework-agnosticism is a term describing self-sufficient software — an element in this case — that can be integrated into any framework with minimal or no modifications and still operate efficiently, as expected.
Web Components can be integrated into any framework, but not without changes that can range from minimal to complex, especially the styles and HTML arrangement. Another change Web Components might experience during integration includes additional configuration or polyfills for full browser support. This drawback is why some developers do not consider Web Components to be framework-agnostic. Notwithstanding, besides these configurations and edits, Web Components can easily fit into any front-end framework, including but not limited to React, Angular, and Vue.
Framework Components: Strengths And Limitations
Framework components are framework-specific reusable bits of code. They are regarded as the building blocks of the framework on which they are built and possess several benefits over Web Components, including the following:
Examples of commonly employed front-end framework elements include React components, Vue components, and Angular directives. React supports a virtual DOM and one-way data binding, which allows for efficient updates and a component-based model. Vue is a lightweight framework with a flexible and easy-to-learn component system. Angular, unlike React, offers a two-way data binding component model with a TypeScript focus. Other front-end framework components include Svelte components, SolidJS components, and more.
Framework layer components are designed to operate under a specific JavaScript framework such as React, Vue, or Angular and, therefore, reside almost on top of the framework architecture, APIs, and conventions. For instance, React components use JSX and state management by React, while Angular components leverage Angular template syntax and dependency injection. As far as benefits, it has excellent developer experience performance, but as far as drawbacks are concerned, they are not flexible or reusable outside the framework.
In addition, a state known as vendor lock-in is created when developers become so reliant on some framework or library that they are unable to switch to another. This is possible with framework components because they are developed to be operational only in the framework environment.
Comparative Analysis
Framework and Web Components have their respective strengths and weaknesses and are appropriate to different scenarios. However, a comparative analysis based on several criteria can help deduce the distinction between both.
Encapsulation is a trademark of components, but Web Components and framework components handle it differently. Web Components provide isolated encapsulation with the Shadow DOM, which creates a separate DOM tree that shields a component’s styles and structure from external manipulation. That ensures a Web Component will look and behave the same wherever it is used.
However, this isolation can make it difficult for developers who need to customize styles, as external CSS cannot cross the Shadow DOM without explicit workarounds (e.g., CSS custom properties). Scoped styling is used by most frameworks, which limit CSS to a component using class names, CSS-in-JS, or module systems. While this dissuades styles from leaking outwards, it does not entirely prevent external styles from leaking in, with the possibility of conflicts. Libraries like Vue and Svelte support scoped CSS by default, while React often falls back to libraries like styled-components.
Web Components are better for reusable components that are useful for multiple frameworks or vanilla JavaScript applications. In addition, they are useful when the encapsulation and isolation of styles and behavior must be strict or when you want to leverage native browser APIs without too much reliance on other libraries.
Framework components are, however, helpful when you need to leverage some of the features and optimisations provided by the framework (e.g., React reconciliation algorithm, Angular change detection) or take advantage of the mature ecosystem and tools available. You can also use framework components if your team is already familiar with the framework and conventions since it will make your development process easier.
Performance Considerations
Another critical factor in determining web vs. framework components is performance. While both can be extremely performant, there are instances where one will be quicker than the other.
For Web Components, implementation in the native browser can lead to optimised rendering and reduced overhead, but older browsers may require polyfills, which add to the initial load. While React and Angular provide specific optimisations (e.g., virtual DOM, change detection) that will make performance improvements on high-flow, dynamic applications, they add overhead due to the framework runtime and additional libraries.
Developer experience is another fundamental consideration regarding Web Components versus framework components. Ease of use and learning curve can play a large role in determining development time and manageability. Availability of tooling and community support can influence developer experience, too.
Web Components use native browser APIs and, therefore, are comfortable to developers who know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript but have a steeper learning curve due to additional concepts like the Shadow DOM, custom elements, and templates that have a learning curve attached to them. Also, Web Components have a smaller community and less community documentation compared to famous frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.
| Web Components Benefits | Framework Components Benefits |
|---|---|
| Native browser support can lead to efficient rendering and reduced overhead. | Frameworks like React and Angular provide specific optimizations (e.g., virtual DOM, change detection) that can improve performance for large, dynamic applications. |
| Smaller bundle sizes and native browser support can lead to faster load times. | Frameworks often provide tools for optimizing bundle sizes and lazy loading components. |
| Leverage native browser APIs, making them accessible to developers familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. | Extensive documentation, which makes it easier for developers to get started. |
| Native browser support means fewer dependencies and the potential for better performance. | Rich ecosystem with extensive tooling, libraries, and community support. |
| Web Components Drawbacks | Framework Components Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Older browsers may require polyfills, which can add to the initial load time. | Framework-specific components can add overhead due to the framework’s runtime and additional libraries. |
| Steeper learning curve due to additional concepts like Shadow DOM and Custom Elements. | Requires familiarity with the framework’s conventions and APIs. |
| Smaller ecosystem and fewer community resources compared to popular frameworks. | Tied to the framework, making it harder to switch to a different framework. |
To summarize, the choice between Web Components and framework components depends on the specific need of your project or team, which can include cross-framework reusability, performance, and developer experience.
Conclusion
Web Components are the new standard for agnostic, interoperable, and reusable components. Although they need further upgrades and modifications in terms of their base technologies to meet framework components standards, they are entitled to the title “components.” Through a detailed comparative analysis, we’ve explored the strengths and weaknesses of Web Components and framework components, gaining insight into their differences. Along the way, we also uncovered useful workarounds for integrating web components into front-end frameworks for those interested in that approach.
Google Search is increasingly dominated by excessive ads and AI-driven results, making it harder for users to find organic, relevant content. As a result, the search engine is losing its original value, with many turning to social media and alternative platforms for discovery.
Did you know that your WordPress site could be a target for hackers right now? That’s right! Today, WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet. That kind of public news makes WordPress sites a big target for hackers.
One of the most harmful ways they attack is through an SQL injection. A SQL injection may break your website, steal data, and destroy your content. More than that, they can lock you out of your website! Sounds scary, right? But don’t worry, you can protect your site. That is what this article is about.
What Is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a way to talk to databases, which store and organize a lot of data, such as user details, posts, or comments on a website. SQL helps us ask the database for information or give it new data to store.
When writing an SQL query, you ask the database a question or give it a task. For example, if you want to see all users on your site, an SQL query can retrieve that list.
SQL is powerful and vital since all WordPress sites use databases to store content.
What Is An SQL Injection Attack?
WordPress SQL injection attacks try to gain access to your site’s database. An SQL injection (SQLi) lets hackers exploit a vulnerable SQL query to run a query they made. The attack occurs when a hacker tricks a database into running harmful SQL commands.
Hackers can send these commands via input fields on your site, such as those in login forms or search bars. If the website does not check input carefully, a command can grant access to the database. Imagine a hacker typing an SQL command instead of typing a username. It may fool the database and show private data such as passwords and emails. The attacker could use it to change or delete database data.
Your database holds all your user-generated data and content. It stores pages, posts, links, comments, and users. For the “bad” guys, it is a goldmine of valuable data.
SQL injections are dangerous as they let hackers steal data or take control of a website. A WordPress firewall prevents SQL injection attacks. Those attacks can compromise and hack sites very fast.
SQL Injections: Three Main Types
There are three main kinds of SQL injection attacks. Every type works in various ways, but they all try to fool the database. We’re going to look at every single type.
This is perhaps the most common type of attack. A hacker sends the command and gets the results using the same communication method. It is to make a request and get the answer right away.
There are two types of In-band SQLi injection attacks:
With error-based SQLi, the hacker causes the database to give an error message. This message may reveal crucial data, such as database structure and settings.
What about union-based SQLi attacks? The hacker uses the SQL UNION statement to combine their request with a standard query. It can give them access to other data stored in the database.
With inferential SQLi, the hacker will not see the results at once. Instead, they ask for database queries that give “yes” and “no” answers. Hackers can reveal the database structure or data by how the site responds.
They do that in two common ways:
Through Boolean-based SQLi, the hacker sends queries that can only be “true” or “false.” For example, is this user ID more than 100? This allows hackers to gather more data about the site based on how it reacts.
In time-based SQLi, the hacker asks a query that makes the database take longer to reply if the answer is “yes.” They can figure out what they need to know due to the delay.
Out-of-band SQLi is a less common but equally dangerous type of attack. Hackers use various ways to get results. Usually, they connect the database to a server they control.
The hacker does not see the results all at once. However, they can get the data sent somewhere else via email or a network connection. This method applies when the site blocks ordinary SQL injection methods.
Why Preventing SQL Injection Is Crucial
SQL injections are a giant risk for websites. They can lead to various harms — stolen data, website damage, legal issues, loss of trust, and more.
Hackers can steal data like usernames, passwords, and emails. They may cause damage by deleting and changing your data. Besides, it messes up your site structure, making it unusable.
Is your user data stolen? You might face legal troubles if your site treats sensitive data. People may lose trust in you if they see that your site gets hacked. As a result, the reputation of your site can suffer.
Thus, it is so vital to prevent SQL injections before they occur.
11 Ways To Prevent WordPress SQL Injection Attacks
OK, so we know what SQL is and that WordPress relies on it. We also know that attackers take advantage of SQL vulnerabilities. I’ve collected 11 tips for keeping your WordPress site free of SQL injections. The tips limit your vulnerability and secure your site from SQL injection attacks.
SQL injection attacks usually occur via forms or input fields on your site. It could be inside a login form, a search box, a contact form, or a comment section. Does a hacker enter bad SQL commands into one of these fields? They may fool your site, giving them access to your database by running those commands.
Hence, always sanitize and validate all input data on your site. Users should not be able to submit data if it does not follow a specific format. The easiest way to avoid this is to use a plugin like Formidable Forms, an advanced builder for adding forms. That said, WordPress has many built-in functions to sanitize and validate input on your own. It includes sanitize_text_field(), sanitize_email(), and sanitize_url().
The validation cleans up user inputs before they get sent to your database. These functions strip out unwanted characters and ensure the data is safe to store.
Dynamic SQL allows you to create SQL statements on the fly at runtime. How does dynamic SQL work compared to static SQL? You can create flexible and general SQL queries adjusted to various conditions. As a result, dynamic SQL is typically slower than static SQL, as it demands runtime parsing.
Dynamic SQL can be more vulnerable to SQL injection attacks. It occurs when the bad guy alters a query by injecting evil SQL code. The database may respond and run this harmful code. As a result, the attacker can access data, corrupt it, or even hack your entire database.
How do you keep your WordPress site safe? Use prepared statements, stored procedures or parameterized queries.
Keeping WordPress and all plugins updated is the first step in keeping your site safe. Hackers often look for old software versions with known security issues.
There are regular security updates for WordPress, themes, and plugins. They fix security issues. You leave your site open to attacks as you ignore these updates.
To stay safe, set up automatic updates for minor WordPress versions. Check for theme and plugin updates often. Only use trusted plugins from the official WordPress source or well-known developers.
By updating often, you close many ways hackers could attack.
A firewall is one of the best ways to keep your WordPress website safe. It is a shield for your WordPress site and a security guard that checks all incoming traffic. The firewall decides who can enter your site and who gets blocked.
There are five main types of WordPress firewalls:
Plugin-based firewalls you install on your WordPress site. They work from within your website to block the bad traffic. Web application firewalls filter, check and block the traffic to and from a web service. They detect and defend against risky security flaws that are most common in web traffic. Cloud-based firewalls work from outside your site. They block the bad traffic before it even reaches your site. DNS-level firewalls send your site traffic via their cloud proxy servers, only letting them direct real traffic to your web server. Finally, application-level firewalls check the traffic as it reaches your server. That means before loading most of the WordPress scripts.
Stable security plugins like Sucuri and Wordfence can also act as firewalls.
Older WordPress versions display the WordPress version in the admin footer. It’s not always a bad thing to show your version of WordPress. But revealing it does provide virtual ammo to hackers. They want to exploit vulnerabilities in outdated WordPress versions.
Are you using an older WordPress version? You can still hide your WordPress version:
functions.php file.function hide_wordpress_version() {
return '';
}
add_filter('the_generator', 'hide_wordpress_version');
This code stops your WordPress version number from showing in the theme’s header.php file and RSS feeds. It adds a small but helpful layer of security. Thus, it becomes more difficult for hackers to detect.
Bad guys can see how your database is set up via error notices. Ensure creating a custom database error notice that users see to stop it. Hackers will find it harder to detect weak spots in your site when you hide error details. The site will stay much safer when you show less data on the front end.
To do that, copy and paste the code into a new db-error.php file. Jeff Starr has a classic article on the topic from 2009 with an example:
<?php // Custom WordPress Database Error Page
header('HTTP/1.1 503 Service Temporarily Unavailable');
header('Status: 503 Service Temporarily Unavailable');
header('Retry-After: 600'); // 1 hour = 3600 seconds
// If you want to send an email to yourself upon an error
// mail("your@email.com", "Database Error", "There is a problem with the database!", "From: Db Error Watching");
?>
<!DOCTYPE HTML>
<html>
<head>
<title>Database Error</title>
<style>
body { padding: 50px; background: #04A9EA; color: #fff; font-size: 30px; }
.box { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; }
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div class="box">
<h1>Something went wrong</h1>
</div>
</body>
</html>
Now save the file in the root of your /wp-content/ folder for it to take effect.
Assign only the permissions that each role demands to do its tasks. For example, Editors may not need access to the WordPress database or plugin settings. Improve site security by giving only the admin role full dashboard access. Limiting access to features for fewer roles reduces the odds of an SQL injection attack.
A great way to protect your WordPress site is to apply two-factor authentication (2FA). Why? Since it adds an extra layer of security to your login page. Even if a hacker cracks your password, they still won’t be able to log in without getting access to the 2FA code.
Setting up 2FA on WordPress goes like this:
Assure erasing tables you no longer use and delete junk or unapproved comments. Your database will be more resistant to hackers who try to exploit sensitive data.
Watch for unusual activity on your site. You can check for actions like many failed login attempts or strange traffic spikes. Security plugins such as Wordfence or Sucuri alert you when something seems odd. That helps to catch issues before they get worse.
Running regular backups is crucial. With a backup, you can quickly restore your site to its original state if it gets hacked. You want to do this anytime you execute a significant update on your site. Also, it regards updating your theme and plugins.
Begin to create a plan for your backups so it suits your needs. For example, if you publish new content every day, then it may be a good idea to back up your database and files daily.
Many security plugins offer automated backups. Of course, you can also use backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or Solid Security. You should store backup copies in various locations, such as Dropbox and Google Drive. It will give you peace of mind.
How To Remove SQL Injection From Your Site
Let’s say you are already under attack and are dealing with an active SQL injection on your site. It’s not like any of the preventative measures we’ve covered will help all that much. Here’s what you can do to fight back and defend your site:
Conclusion
Hackers love weak sites. They look for easy ways to break in, steal data, and cause harm. One of the tricks they often use is SQL injection. If they find a way in, they can steal private data, alter your content, or even take over your site. That’s bad news both for you and your visitors.
But here is the good news: You can stop them! It is possible to block these attacks before they happen by taking the correct steps. And you don’t need to be a tech freak.
Many people ignore website security until it’s too late. They think, “Why would a hacker target my site?” But hackers don’t attack only big sites. They attack any site with weak security. So, even small blogs and new websites are in danger. Once a hacker gets in, this person can cause you lots of damage. Fixing a hacked site takes time, effort, and money. But stopping an attack before it happens? That’s much easier.
Hackers don’t sit and wait, so why should you? Thousands of sites get attacked daily, so don’t let yours be the next one. Update your site, add a firewall, enable 2FA, and check your security settings. These small steps can help prevent giant issues in the future.
Your site needs protection against the bad guys. You have worked hard to build it. Never neglect to update and protect it. After that, your site will be safer and sounder.
TikTok has evolved far beyond just memes and viral dance videos. Now, it has become a powerhouse for content creators looking to build personal brands, showcase their talents, and even turn side hustles into full-time businesses. But making a name for yourself on TikTok isn’t a walk in the park, especially when competing with over 1.3 million creators.
So, should you abandon the idea of starting on TikTok? Absolutely not!
Understanding when your target audience is most active and strategically posting at the right times, your content can grab attention even if you’re just starting out as a new creator.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the best times for new creators to post on TikTok, giving you the edge you need to stand out. Scroll down to find out the best time to post.
Posting at the right time is key for new creators because TikTok’s algorithm thrives on engagement. If your content gets interaction within the first few minutes of being posted, it’s far more likely to land on the For You Page (FYP). But for that to happen, you need to know when your target audience is most active. Posting at the right time ensures your content gets the visibility and attention it deserves.
Here’s why timing matters on TikTok:
Now that you understand the importance of posting at the right time let’s find the best times for new creators to post on TikTok!
The best time to post on TikTok for new creators generally falls in three windows when people are most likely scrolling through their phones. Morning hours can be ideal, as many users check TikTok right after waking up.
Lunchtime is another sweet spot, as people often take a break to relax and catch up on their favorite content. Evenings are prime time, too, with users unwinding after a long day and spending time on the app.
Research conducted by SocialBu found that these times are the best times to post on TikTok based on the days of the week:
Monday: 6 AM, 10 AM, 10 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 11 PM
Thursday: 12 PM, 9 PM, 7 PM
Friday: 5 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
Saturday: 11 AM, 7 PM, 8 PM
Sunday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 4 PM
The posting time also varies based on the industry and niche. For example, if you’re posting educational content, there is a high chance your content gets a spike in morning and evening hours. However, if you’re a fashion blogger, you might need to post in the afternoon when girls gossip about fashion stuff during lunch hours.
So, here are the best times to post on TikTok as a new creator according to different industries:
Another factor that impacts the best time to post on TikTok is the region. For this, identify in which region your target audience resides, and based on their activity information, make a posting schedule to get high engagement. Here is a breakdown of the best time to post on TikTok as a new creator for different regions:
| Region | Best days | Best times |
| USA | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | 6 am-10 am (EST) |
| Europe | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 9 am-12 pm (CET) |
| Australia | Thursday, Friday, Sunday | 6 am-9 am (AEDT) |
| Canada | Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday | 6 am-9 am (EST) |
| Philippines | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | 8 am-11 am (PHT) |
| Africa | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | 8 am-10 am (SAST) |
| India | Monday, Friday, Sunday | 10 am-12 pm (IST) |
Finding your best posting time on TikTok is all about getting strategic and paying attention to your audience’s habits.
You can figure it out by starting by checking TikTok’s built-in analytics. It gives you insights into when your followers are most active.
But if you don’t have many followers yet, you need to experiment. Post at different times of the day, early mornings, lunch breaks, evenings, and track which posts get the most views and engagement.
Pay attention to where your audience is located. If they’re in a different time zone, adjust your posting schedule to match their peak activity hours.
And don’t be afraid to try trends. Sometimes, hopping on a trending sound or challenge at the right moment can be even more powerful than sticking to a strict schedule.
Finding your perfect posting time might take a little trial and error, but once you crack the code, you’ll be setting yourself up for consistent views, engagement, and maybe even a few viral hits!
So, you’ve figured out the posting time, that’s great. But to truly stand out, you need to level up your game in other areas, too. Here are a few tips to stand out as a new creator:
Building your presence on TikTok as a new creator can feel like a tough journey. From figuring out your audience to understanding different regions and industries, there’s a lot to take in. You can post every day, but the key is knowing when your target audience is most active. Experiment with different timings and you’ll eventually figure out the perfect posting time.
Featured Image by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
The post When Should New Creators Post on TikTok? appeared first on noupe.
Every mobile application needs a well-designed user interface (UI).
UI determines how easy it is for someone to navigate an app and complete the app’s intended purpose.
For example, the UI in a mobile banking app needs to support the user in checking their bank balance and previous statements, initiating a transfer, speaking to customer support, and so on.
When UI doesn’t help someone complete tasks and easily interact with the app, it causes user frustration. They’re less likely to use the app, which is the last thing any company wants.
In this blog, we’ll discuss four ways to guarantee your app’s UI delights your users.
Many companies make the mistake of storyboarding and wireframing their app before they’ve taken the time to understand their user’s needs.
Never assume you know what they want, and take the time to understand user expectations.
One of the most underrated ways to understand your user’s needs is through public forums.
Brands rarely visit sites like Reddit and Quora to learn about their users.
Many focus their efforts on industry reports and surveys. While those have value, public forums are mercilessly blunt and honest (and provide insight into user behavior), and that is what you need.
A quick Google search of ‘mobile banking app Reddit’ led us to this forum where a user is asking other members about which bank to switch to based on their app.
The answers are helpful, but what’s more striking is a user’s willingness to leave a company and switch to its competitors based on their experience with the app.
This goes to show the crucial role an app plays in helping companies retain their users.
Apart from secondary research, you can sit down with potential users in a focus group setting to dive deeper into their needs and preferences. The key is to have empathy for your user’s needs.
This puts you in their shoes as you design the app.
Apps aren’t escape rooms! You don’t need to make your users work to find what they want.
Help them out with a KIS (keeping it simple.)
You do this by using familiar design patterns and visual elements. Mobile apps have been around for a while and have slowly developed standardized patterns like a navigation bar on the left, hamburger menus, and tabs.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel and fix something that isn’t broken.
Don’t flood the home page navigation with too many options. Make all options available and findable in the app, but keep the core actions on the home page.
It’s also important for users to know their finger taps are working. When they tap a button, use subtle animation and visual cues as a sign of the app’s responsiveness.
If a function of your app requires multiple steps and going through several screens (like creating an account) use appropriate step numbers and arrows to signal progress.
Developers do face challenges in balancing smooth navigation, responsiveness, and aesthetics with functionality.
However, a website builder can simplify this process by enabling developers to design a mobile-friendly UI without deep coding expertise. By embedding the web UI into a mobile app using a web view, developers can streamline development, reduce workload, and achieve a polished, user-friendly interface with minimal effort.
The other option is to try a plethora of the latest no-code or low-code apps.
Every app’s design needs a sense of familiarity. Each design element should be geared to help someone use the app. Consider adding the below considerations to your design process.
The app’s branding should reflect the larger company brand. It would be strange for Microsoft to abandon the blues we’ve all become familiar with and go with a radically different color on their apps.
People are less confused and more inclined to use an app when the branding is consistent because identity and familiarity breed trust in the subconscious mind.
As a result, make sure your app’s background color, accent color, and the shades of all interface elements represent your overall brand.
The typography (fonts) used across the app should remain the same, no matter what screen the user is on.
Make sure there are clear distinctions between subheadings, headings, and body text. Similarly, anything that is clickable (like buttons and other interactive elements) should be made obvious and apparent. Additionally, it should follow a consistent color scheme, shape, size, and placement.
Both iOS and Android have established design principles that help create seamless user experiences. Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines and Google’s Material Design provide best practices for typography, spacing, motion, and interactivity. Following these guidelines ensures that your app feels natural on each operating system.
We all have something called muscle memory. It’s how we instinctively tap our smartphone’s passcode without having to look at where each digit is. Muscle memory is built by making movements repeatedly.
You want to take advantage of muscle memory in your app’s design. Choose your gestures and stick to them on every screen. For example:
Users shouldn’t have to keep relearning how to use your app. It is annoying and leads to a poor experience.
Standardize your symbols and their placement, too. Some internationally recognized symbols are:
There is research you would have done before designing your app (focus groups, Reddit search, etc). Then there needs to be regular testing during your app’s development and post-launch.
When you get to your prototype vs MVP, get a cohort who represents your target audience to test the app for useability. User feedback can help you make meaningful iterations.
When the app launches, build a button they can click on to submit feedback on the app. User preferences are regularly changing or there may have been something you missed entirely.
An open feedback loop is important to ensure your app is always giving users the best experience.
UI makes or breaks an app. People today want something easy to navigate and use. And they don’t like being worked hard in figuring out how to interact with an app.
Good UI is a combination of having a deep understanding of what your user wants while following the already-established principles of good and intuitive design. These, combined with an open feedback loop, are your ticket to an app that will never disappoint.
Good luck!
Featured image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
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Unsplash’s decision to feature two search bars on its homepage adds unnecessary complexity and confusion, diluting the user experience. A single, streamlined search bar would provide clearer navigation and a more intuitive interface for users.
Every business and individual who wants to build their presence online must have an attractive functional website because today’s digital world demands it. Websites that are well-designed both interest viewers and improve user experience which results in more visitors making purchases. Webflow functions as the web design solution at this point. Through Webflow users can develop responsive websites while needing minimal coding experience. The platform stands out because it provides both easy-to-use features and powerful functionality which attracts multiple audiences of designers and business owners.
This article will investigate Webflow templates by describing their definition and outlining available template types alongside highlighting their main advantages. Prominent among website builders Webflow stands out as a perfect selection for website development because of its distinct attributes that surpass competitors. Through this article you will gain a full understanding about utilizing Webflow templates to build an impactful website which addresses your needs.
Website users can adapt pre-built Webflow Templates to generate personalized designs which accommodate their particular business requirements. Designer professionals have created these templates which cover different website categories such as portfolios, business sites, e-commerce platforms and blogs. Buildable templates incorporate responsive standards that maintain optimal website presentation regardless of screen size including desktops to mobile phones.
Webflow templates enable substantial time management benefits as their primary advantage. When using Webflow templates you can pick one that matches your vision then transform it to fit your brand requirements. The templates enable business owners to dedicate their attention toward content development alongside marketing strategies without needing to worry about web design technology. Webflow templates feature modern designs which provide functionality alongside pleasing visual elements that attract website visitors.
Webflow templates enhance website design quality by designing high-quality aesthetics. The wide selection of templates allows you to discover one which best appeals to your marketplace and matches your brand message. Webflow templates provide optimal design choices to users seeking quick and simple website construction. Their adjustable features create an outstanding system for anyone building their website.
Webflow emerges as a leading platform for website development because it provides distinctive capabilities alongside ease of use features for users. The central attraction of Webflow is its layout system which lets users construct site pages through visual design methods rather than coding. The visual editor provides convenient options specifically designed for people without technical skills who wish to design expert-quality sites.
Webflow provides remarkable responsive design tools to its users. Webflow websites automatically scale to fit different screen dimensions through their adaptable design so users experience continuous interface compatibility across devices. In today’s mobile-first world where smartphones and tablets generate substantial web traffic, developers need responsive design capabilities to ensure their sites appear properly across all screen sizes. Webflow templates ensure your site maintains excellent visual presentation regardless of the device users utilize.
Your website receives enhanced search engine optimization through the robust SEO tools provided by Webflow. Webflow helps you execute SEO best practices by letting users edit their meta tags and add image alt text and manage the URL structure of their website. The advancement of website visibility and organic traffic attraction depends on this essential element.
Webflow stands apart from other website builders through its superior ability to enable designers to build custom designs at their preferred level of control. Among numerous design platforms Webflow delivers the most extensive level of customization so users can build custom designs which lexical websites within busy internet environments. Your investment in Webflow templates alongside its powerful design capabilities brings you essential building blocks for creating a profitable online audience reach.
Your website’s success depends heavily on your ability to choose the perfect template from Webflow’s collection. Begin by considering your niche. Every Webflow template offers specialized designs for industries like portfolios and corporate websites and online shops and blog platforms. The selection of a template which matches your specific niche helps create stronger resonation toward your desired demographic audience.
Moving forward assess both design quality and functional aspects of the available templates. Identify a template which embodies your brand image together with system capabilities which serve your website aims. Online stores should have the fundamentals of payment processing and product browsing and payment collection built into their selected template.
User reviews along with rating feedback serve as the primary indicators to determine template quality. The opinions of other users deliver essential knowledge about the template’s performance level alongside usability and total quality attributes. Look for responsiveness as a critical feature in your evaluation since it explains how the template adapts automatically to display appropriately on all screen sizes from large desktop monitors to compact mobile phones. Having responsive options is essential for delivering fluid user interactions.
The decision to include customization features in your selection process becomes critical. Due to its user-friendly design anyone should be able to change template elements through modifications without needing substantial coding background knowledge. Select templates with adaptable conditions for editing layouts in combination with colors and fonts together with content customization features.
Webflow templates exist across multiple locations for users to access. The marketplace operated by Webflow showcases numerous professionally designed website templates as its main template sourcing platform. Huge database collections of compatible templates are available on both Webflow’s marketplace and third-party sites including TemplateMonster and ThemeForest. Analysis of different sources will allow you to discover a template that fits your design tastes and operating needs.
Your journey to Webflow begins with account creation. Navigate to Webflow to start a new sign-up by clicking “Sign Up.” Your email address serves as registration or you can link quickly through your existing Google account. You will receive access to the Webflow dashboard after completing your registration by providing necessary information and email address verification.
After creating your account you need to select a template which matches your requirements. You can find the Webflow marketplace on your screen to browse available categories including business, portfolio, or e-commerce. Application filters enable you to narrow your search according to your personal specifications.
The template details display after selection that includes feature specifications and design components as well as price information. Click “Clone” after making your selection to move the template into your Webflow account for customization. The integration of the cloning process will instantly generate a template duplicate inside your dashboard so you can start making changes right then.
Among website development steps customization holds paramount significance. Begin your process by changing the text and content to match your brand’s name and messaging style. Use professional quality images in place of generic placeholders designed to appeal to your audience. Use your branding colors to modify the color scheme of your site and achieve consistent design throughout.
You can easily modify sections on your page using the intuitive drag-and-drop tool that Webflow provides. Webflow provides tools within its system which enables users to reorganize page sections and build new content or integrate supplemental functions. Keep your brand identity consistent with a unified use of design elements that include font styles and color schemes and imageSelections. User trust strengthens through the implementation of consistent visual elements which produce a professional website style.
Always check your website preview during updates because it helps you determine changes’ impact on user experience. Continuous site refinement through this recurring cycle helps you reach your design goals.
Your website finds success in search engine results through basic SEO implementation. Each page requires meta tag optimization with distinct titles and descriptions which include valued keywords in the content. Search engines better understand your content when implemented correctly which raises your chances of achieving a high ranking position.
Add descriptions via alt text for every image since they help describe their meaning. The implementation of alt text produces two benefits because it provides accessibility benefits and it enhances proper image indexing by search engines. Webflow gives users built-in tools for laboring SEO components which simplifies website optimization tasks.
Continue updating your content together with following SEO best practices so your website improves its visibility in search results. Regular updates and SEO best practices create a pathway to increase organic visitors and interact more successfully with your audience base. Setting a solid SEO foundation during your initial website execution increases the prospects that your online platform will succeed for an extended period.
Moving forward with Webflow templates requires strict adherence to best practices which will deliver major improvements in your website functionality together with enhanced user interactions. The primary requirement for site success is to guarantee mobile responsiveness of your website. Since mobile devices make up most website traffic content must display properly and work properly on all screen dimensions. Your mobile design requires Webflow’s built-in responsiveness features which let you preview and optimize the display for mobile visitors.
Design simplicity along with user-friendliness should be your top priority. Visitors leave websites more quickly whenever a webpage appears disorganized. Your site needs an organized structure which emphasizes key content points while building a straightforward navigation journey for visitors. Space your content without clutter to design a balanced presentation that pleases the eye.
Constantly updating your site alongside planned maintenance work should be your final step. Regular updates that keep your website content modern along with its high level of relevancy enhance both user engagement and website search engine positions. Regular inspection of your website allows you to identify broken links and outdated information and design inconsistencies. The maintenance of your website enables it to deliver a positive user experience which helps maintain your niche competition level.
Seeking professional Webflow agency services while building your website can save you time and yield exceptional results because skilled experts create beautiful functional websites. Specialized Webflow agencies provide innovative design and development services that deliver both great looks with optimized performance and usability along with SEO benefits. The following list includes five premium Webflow agencies which can unlock your creative vision through exceptional Webflow solutions with Flowzai establishing itself as an industry leader.
Flowzai represents one of the leading Webflow agencies which develops fully equipped business-enhanced websites. Flowzai serves businesses of all sizes with a full range of Webflow services beginning with customized design, moving to responsive development, SEO optimization, and continuing with ongoing site maintenance support.
The uniqueness of Flowzai stems from their dedication to building web pages which provide both attractive interface design and quantifiable performance outcomes. The company combines its expert design teams with developers who deliver sites that perform quickly while matching brand objectives and serving responsive interfaces. Flowzai provides individual consulting services combined with the ability to transform your business goals into actual web projects because they value both your vision and collaborative success.
If you’re ready to take your website to the next level, contact Flowzai today for a consultation and see how they can transform your online presence.
The Webflow agency Finsweet establishes itself through its expertise in developing highly personalized interactive Webflow websites. Webflow projects benefit from their specialized approach together with their advanced features integration expertise which makes them highly popular. Through their extensive experience Finsweet creates superior websites for both complex e-commerce solutions and functional portfolio applications tailored to client requirements.
The Webflow agency NoCode North guides businesses through website development processes that require no programming knowledge to create scalable professional online platforms. This company helps small entities and startups transform their business ideas into functionally effective Webflow sites that generate conversions. Your website benefits from optimized SEO and easy management operations because they prioritize simple designs alongside performance improvements.
As an agency specializing in Webflow discourse Ester Digital combines attractive design with purposeful strategic development. Electronic Media delivers sites with artistic appearance and smooth user pathways through their specialized design skills. The team at Ester Digital collaborates actively with customers to guarantee each element in their projects corresponds with their brand objectives and visual identity.
Webflow Experts operates as a network which comprises certified Webflow specialists who create custom web solutions for businesses working across multiple industries. The professional team drives endless web development projects at multiple organizational levels where they provide portable websites with growth potential and operational efficiency.
During your search for a Webflow agency you should review their qualifications and look at their previous work portfolios to see how they fit your project needs. You can reach your goals and establish a spectacular online presence through their capable services whether you want full customization or adapted projects based on Webflow templates at these top agencies such as Flowzai. Contact these agencies right now to embark on your mission for an expert professional website with high performance capabilities.
Business success today demands both visual excellence and operational functionality to maintain an established online brand. Throughout this article we examined fundamental Webflow template procedures which address template selection and customization along with optimal website performance implementation practices. Using Webflow tools you can develop an attractive website that matches your distinctive business requirements while effectively engaging your preferred customer base.
Your website-building journey will receive additional benefits from partnering with a professional Webflow agency. Special agencies such as Flowzai among others focus on producing personalized solutions that drive successful business execution. Professional Webflow experts will help guide your site development through tailored design creation and e-commerce configuration and SEO performance improvement to ensure market visibility.
During your website development process we recommend both exploring Webflow template options and partnering with a professional agency to execute your design ideas effectively. Please add a comment below to ask questions or share Webflow experiences. Your feedback drives our progress in the web design field because we value your perspectives throughout our collective journey.
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The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we live, work, and interact with businesses. It makes our home smarter and gives personalized recommendations by touching every aspect of the modern life – including companies handling customer support and service interactions.
AI in customer service is an excellent method of responding instantly with relevant answers to queries. Businesses offer a personalized experience to customers seeking answers to their queries by using natural language processing (NLP), machine Learning (ML), and data analytics. They provide:
As per HubSpot, customer satisfaction (CSAT) is still the most important key performance indicator (KPI), and three out of four leaders in the customer service segment agree.
Here, an AI-driven system plays a crucial role by being a:
Or a mix-and-match of all these categories to cover all the crucial fields of customer service. This system offers exclusive benefits to your business operations related to customer service.
AI brings powerful advantages to customer service by redefining how businesses support customers and improving operational outcomes.
AI automation can handle routine tasks like answering common queries, updating account information, and processing simple requests. This level of automation frees agents to resolve complex customer issues that need human intervention.
So, while AI covers repetitive work, your team can solve problems that require human judgment and empathy.
Customer service teams using AI respond faster to queries. Instead of waiting days for email responses or hours on hold during live chat, AI analyzes the queries and provides a quick solution.
It works 24/7 to process multiple requests simultaneously. Such systems can streamline workflows automatically by categorizing and routing issues to the right department for faster resolution.
AI systems analyze customer history, past purchases, and preferences to understand the queries. Its quick read on customers’ data provides personalized support to every incoming query.
In this way, businesses make customers feel valued and understood. This level of personalization generally takes more time when done manually. AI reads patterns and adjusts communication styles to match customer preferences.
AI automation in customer service reduces operational costs considerably. A human customer support agent can handle, let’s say, a hundred queries in a day. It is exhausting and prone to mistakes.
On the other hand, AI customer service systems can handle thousands of calls within a significantly smaller turnaround time at a fraction of the cost. This efficiency reduces operational costs and increases ROI. Businesses can even scale customer support operations without proportionally increasing staff costs.
AI customer services resolve queries with fast and accurate responses. It leads to happier customers, resulting in better conversions and customer loyalty. This personal satisfaction eliminates the frustrations of customers waiting for a response.
The best part is that AI systems can maintain the same quality of responses and resolutions across all interaction channels. This automation reinforces trust through elevated customer satisfaction.
Online business portals may face sudden spikes in queries. Human agents reach their limits when handling multiple queries in a day. These overwhelming situations may affect the brand image of businesses.
Unlike human teams, an AI customer support system can scale itself to meet a high volume of queries. This smart system can adjust according to the situation and does not keep a customer waiting for a quality response.
These benefits will become much clearer if we scout the modern applications of AI in customer service.
Modern customer service relies on several AI technologies that work together for a smooth experience. Here are the five key application areas of AI in customer service.
AI chatbots serve as digital assistants on websites and applications for businesses. They are ready to help customers instantly with accurate information and resolutions. They understand and analyze questions with their NLP capabilities and provide relevant answers without human intervention.
One tool you can use to create an AI chatbot is Jotform AI Agents, with over 7000 agent and chatbot templates you can choose from and customize. For example, you can use the customer support AI agent to automate support flows on your website. You can hire staff, collect feedback, provide customer support and streamline any human interaction easily. These agents can even interact with external APIs.
Voice-powered AI handles phone support by understanding spoken questions and providing voiced answers. These smart AI systems can recognize natural speech patterns even with different accents and speaking styles.
For example, Jotform’s AI phone answering system can automate responses, redirect callers to the right point of contact, and even capture insights from calls. You can build and train your AI voice agent with files or a business knowledge base, and set tone, voice, and query escalation rules complying with your brand image.
You can train an AI customer support system to read between the lines. It can detect customer emotions and sentiments during communications by analyzing word choices, tones, and context. The best part is that an AI system can perform the same in chats, reviews, emails, and voice calls.
These AI tools can analyze the content of messages and calls to understand what customers need. Based on the analysis, they can route the calls, emails, or messages to a qualified agent or a department.
This application reduces turnaround time significantly and improves first-contact problem-solving quality.
Behind the scenes, AI streamlines support operations by automating manual processes. This system automatically categorizes incoming tickets and prioritizes urgent issues. It schedules follow-ups and triggers appropriate actions based on analyzed customer needs.
Now, the real question is what to consider when you want to implement AI in customer service. Here are the factors to ponder upon.
Make a smart decision by determining these factors to identify the right AI service for your business’s customer service.
Identify the purpose of an AI in your customer service segment. Why do you need an AI system?
Every business has unique needs and customers. Only a highly customizable AI system can deliver the expected outcomes. Find out which AI services can be trained with data to behave, interact, and match your brand’s attributes.
Accuracy and consistency are the two prime factors to build trust and reliability among customers. Verify the outcomes of an AI solution and make sure it complies with industry regulations like CCPA and GDPR for data protection.
Decide your budget and choose an AI service accordingly. Top brands like Jotform can deliver out-of-the-box solutions without involving large IT development services.
AI in customer service adds a competitive advantage to your business. Automated routine tasks, responding to daily queries, and scaling support operations are a few of its benefits. An AI system’s proactive support to identify and address potential issues drives dramatic improvements in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
So, it’s time to integrate the power of AI in customer service and take a step ahead towards the future. Make this transformation hassle-free with Jotform AI Agents to design a customizable AI solution. From AI chatbots to a sophisticated AI phone system – be ready to the meet the evolving customer expectations.
Featured Image by Tim van der Kuip on Unsplash
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React, the library used to create interactive UI elements, is now an essential tool in web development. Its flexibility and strong environment make it loved by developers all over the globe.
Whether you are a professional React developer or are new to React, knowing what tools to use can make a big difference. To get the best out of your projects, you should always ensure that you have a team of dedicated React developers who understand all the tricks of these tools.
In this guide, we’ll explore the set of tools that any React developer should consider to have in their arsenal.
React DevTools is a Chrome extension for debugging React application’s component trees. This tool is available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge and helps to make it easier to find performance issues and understand the state and props of components.
Developers can also watch how components re-render, which is very useful for improving the performance of an application.
If you are just starting a new project in React then Create React App is a gift for you. It comes with a basic configuration that gets you started with your application and comes with built-in Babel and Webpack configurations.
CRA does not require the creation of a project from scratch, which enables the developers to only write code.
Storybook is a great tool to have when you want to create and test components in isolation. It enables developers to have a “storybook” of all components, which makes it easy to share with designers and stakeholders.
This also makes it easier to spot areas of disparity and make sure that each component functions correctly, which is why this kind of visual representation is useful.
Inconsistent code style and low quality are not acceptable in a professional development environment. ESLint is used for code quality and Prettier is used for code formatting. Including these tools in your React project guarantees you improved code quality, free from errors, and hence easier to maintain and scale.
State management can be tricky in large applications, and that’s where Redux and React Query shine. Redux is a powerful tool for managing global state, while React Query simplifies server-state handling and data fetching.
Depending on your project needs, these tools can drastically reduce the complexity of managing state in your React applications.
A powerful code editor like VS Code is essential for React development. With its extensive library of extensions, such as the React-specific snippets and IntelliSense, VS Code boosts productivity. Features like integrated Git support and debugging tools further enhance the development experience.
For applications requiring navigation between pages, React Router is an indispensable tool. It simplifies routing within your React application, offering features like nested routes, dynamic routing, and lazy loading. This ensures seamless navigation experiences for users.
Performance bottlenecks can cripple your application, and React Profiler helps identify these issues effectively. Available as part of React DevTools, it allows developers to measure the rendering time of components and optimize where necessary.
Bit is a collaborative tool that allows developers to share and reuse React components across projects. By centralizing components in a dedicated repository, Bit fosters consistency and accelerates development time, particularly in larger teams.
Testing is very crucial for every line of code. For React applications, the React Testing Library is used for conducting reliable tests for components. RTL focuses on user interactions and behaviors while making sure that your application works according to the intentions.
Forms can become a real struggle in React, especially when dealing with validations. Formik simplifies form handling, providing an intuitive API to manage form states, validations, and submissions with ease.
CodeSandbox is an online tool for React that allows developers to prototype, share, and collaborate on projects instantly. Its ability to integrate with GitHub and support multiple environments makes it a valuable tool for experimentation and quick demos.
The ecosystem of React has all the development-related stuff that developers need. The above tools of the React development toolkit enable developers to simplify and enhance the development process. So, for all React developers, it is extremely important to equip yourself with these tools. This will not only help you in your career but elevate your development skills.
Featured image by Lautaro Andreani on Unsplash
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