2022 turned out to be a tumultuous yr for the tech industry. Crypto crashed, a certain social media network was taken over by a certain loquacious billionaire, and a number of jobs were lost. Perhaps a couple of books can be written about this chaotic trip across the sun.
But somewhat than wallow in what was, this grumpy designer prefers to look forward. Taking the time to take into consideration what’s going to occur in the following yr is an incredible opportunity – for some lighthearted satire, that’s. Making outrageous predictions is each fun and an escape from on a regular basis life. That’s something we will all use.
As with years past, my focus can be on things that matter to web designers. It’s all concerning the notable tools, people, and technology that keep our industry interesting.
Should you’re a newcomer, I also needs to mention that there can be quite a little bit of snark as well. Laughs are the first goal, in any case.
Without further ado, let’s take a peek at what’s going to definitely occur in 2023!
Twitter Introduces Features to Please Recent Ownership
Twitter has been an incredible resource for the net design community. It’s been a vehicle for sharing information and connecting with others. Thus, it was no surprise that some members were concerned by Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform. Would the famously impulsive billionaire be too disruptive?
In a word: Yes. Musk has been the proverbial bull in a crystal shop, shedding employees (only to rehire some shortly thereafter), conducting “code reviews,” and making all manner of strange proclamations.
The underside line is that Twitter now exists to excite and entertain its recent owner. As such, recent features can be implemented exclusively for this purpose. 2023 will see a couple of major releases, including:
Randomly Edited Tweets
While the flexibility to edit tweets requires a paid Twitter Blue account, free users are in luck. A recent algorithm will randomly change “unsatisfactory” tweets to raised align with Musk’s worldview.
I do know what you’re considering – it’s a ploy to implement the brand new guy’s tackle free speech. But this feature goes well beyond mere lobbying efforts. Things can get a bit personal.
For example, a tweet declaring that sloths are your favorite animal may very well be edited to match Musk’s fictional preference. Or a photograph of you drinking a cup of coffee is perhaps swapped out with a can of Eating regimen Coke.
While it might be a minor inconvenience for users, it does mean that the boss won’t should read anything in the least unpleasant. That’s higher for everybody.
“Troll Me” Button
The brand new sheriff on the town has decided to in the reduction of on content moderation. Some might even see this as a foul thing, but the thought behind this decision is somewhat altruistic. The goal is to make it even easier to attach with others.
That’s why a recent “Troll Me” button will appear on every user’s profile. Click it, and also you’ll be presented with an inventory of pre-approved insults and condemnations. Simply select the message that suits your needs and be in your merry way!
If beta testing proves successful, look ahead to the feature to even be added to the Reply options.
*Per Twitter’s recent verification system, I’d prefer to specify that every thing above is a parody. No Tesla vehicles were harmed.
Recent WordPress Plugins Will Adopt the Trends
WordPress has been around long enough that we’ve seen several trends come and go. From the way in which plugins approach specific functionality to a complete rewrite of how themes are built, change is at all times on the menu.
2023 can be no exception. In truth, plugin developers are going to take things to a wholly recent level. Search for the next WordPress plugins to seek out their way onto the market:
Admin Notifications Pro Prolonged
It looks like plugins litter the dashboard with notifications a little bit more every year. Not only are they greater in numbers, but they’re also harder to dismiss. That’s in the event you can dismiss them in any respect.
Admin Notifications Pro Prolonged doesn’t want this trend to finish. In contrast, it seeks to hitch within the fun!
The plugin ($29.99 per thirty days for a single-site license) will display random, nonsensical notifications throughout the dashboard. To take care of the element of surprise, some will intentionally break the WordPress block editor – meaning you won’t have the ability to avoid wasting that 1,000-word blog post. Such is life.
Level up with the User Experience Add-on ($100 per 500 page views) to make notices appear on the front end as well.
#WPDrama Generator
There’s nothing like a controversial discussion to fire up a little bit #WPDrama. But what happens during those quiet moments when nobody is arguing?
That’s where the brand new #WPDrama Generator plugin is available in. It encompasses a choose-your-own-adventure interface for creating hot takes, takedowns, and other hijinks. Publish your creation and use the built-in social sharing tool to stir the virtual pot.
Should you’ve taken things too far, use the available WP Apology Generator add-on ($50 per use) to craft a mea culpa that’s reviewed by knowledgeable crisis management bot.
Artificial Intelligence Will Be a Web Designer’s Best Friend
Nervous that artificial intelligence (AI) will take your job? I very much doubt it, as algorithms can’t fully replace human creativity and sensibility (yet).
If anything, AI can be there to guide web designers where we’d like it most. It would turn our weaknesses into strengths. But that’s not all.
I predict that sometime in 2023, we’ll see an app that leverages AI to tackle our biggest struggle: coping with clients.
Amongst its core features:
- Robotically connects to the client’s website to make the brand larger;
- Adjusts color contrast ratios so as to add some “pop” to the look;
- Responds to vague emails by asking for clarification;
- Detects scope creep and lets clients know when a request will cost more cash;
- Infiltrates your client’s devices and clears their cache;
- Blocks client access to defunct web browsers;
Now that’s what I call useful technology. If only it could do something about those clients who don’t pay their bills…
Start the Recent 12 months with a Laugh
As we prepare for one more yr, I feel it’s necessary to achieve this with a humorousness. Laughter is critical for surviving in chaotic times. That’s as relevant in website design because it is in life.
Hopefully, these predictions assist in that quest. By roasting what’s to return, perhaps we will handle the inevitable bumps within the road more easily. If not, at the very least we will say that we had a couple of chuckles first.
Here’s to 2023. May you discover happiness, success, and something to laugh about!
