Web 2.0 Blog

Rich Internet Applications, the future basis for how users will be presented with web applications are slowly but surely killing off the standard, limited and occasionally inaccessible HTML methodologies that have been dominating Internet development over the last 10 years. But what exactly do RIAs mean to Web 2.0?

In-Depth User Interaction
RIAs offer users a much richer and more engaging experience. Basically things that encourage the user to interact with the interface more such as flash games, interactive menus, customization and manipulation. A good example of this is Multimap.com. What once was a simple HTML search returning static image results has turned into a data and functionality rich interface which allows the user to physically drag the map around the interaction area, just as you would if a paper map were underneath the window.

Desktop-Webtop Integration
The process of delivering web applications to user desktops and further narrowing the gap between browsers and desktop interfaces is finally coming to fruition as apps such as Google Desktop. The more the desktop is connected, the more likely it is to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. Ebay’s desktop application offers users a way of browsing, buying, selling and bidding without even using a browser window. The program starts just like a desktop application and can even run in the background without interfering with the user’s other activities. Could all websites follow a similar suit one day? Why do we even need browsers, when we can search Google from the desktop?

Greater Accessibility
Usability will always stand as the highest priority in rich web applications as without it, you’ve built something that doesn;t work. One aim of these technologies is to make the sites that use them accessible to everyone. Adobe claims their RIA technologies reach 98% of desktops, plus users will no longer need to install them as updating and distributing the application is an instant, automatically handled process  - Wiki. The fact that they are also client-based rather than remote server based also means a higher response time is to be expected.

Check out the Siblu Booking Form, a one-screen interface which totally eliminates any need for the user to ‘refresh’ or ‘go back’. Having to follow links is one of the most prominent issues when developing usable interfaces as it requires users to find ways of navigating through pages unnaturally. Could RIAs completely rewrite the rules of Internet form usability?

In order for RIA’s to develop even further, web developers will need to evolve how they design and build websites to accommodate for this new technology. Programs such as Adobe Air and similar next-gen applications will surely lead the way to a better Web 2.0.