In the early days of the World Wide Web, website creation was common yet required optimization for slow internet connections and text-only browsers.
Graceful degradation was emphasized to ensure websites could still function minimally even in basic browsers like Lynx.
Nowadays, users are expected to have the latest browsers and fast connections for website access, marking a significant shift.
The focus has shifted from websites as interactive documents to web applications, leading to increased complexity and demands on browsers.
Web development frameworks often require cutting-edge features, disregarding compatibility with older browsers and devices.
Concerns arise over corporate influence on the web, with certain browsers like Chrome dominating testing and feature implementation.
Web apps also contribute to heavier reliance on JavaScript, causing performance issues and hindering access on older systems.
The removal of support for non-encrypted HTTP and excessive JavaScript usage lead to challenges for users with older devices.
Gracious degradation remains important for ensuring website accessibility and functionality, highlighting the user experience over flashy design elements.
Overall, the evolution of the web raises questions on whether current trends align with the preferred user experience.