Web Design Automation (WDA)

Definition: The automated creation of dynamic websites that include fully functional data driven structures and services.

Websites, Social Networks and Sub-Networks created by WDA software do not require a Webmaster, Graphic Designer, Programmer or Information Technologist to design or deploy. WDA software also provides built in hosting for any websites or sub-networks created using such software. Any database structures and dependent functionalities needed by any created website are automatically generated and the ability to turn on or off any database reliant feature or presentation mechanism requires no additional programming. Administrative input by users is typically limited to selection by check-box or integrated setting wizards, then the subsequent saving of any new configuration. Web Design Automation also allows the "on the fly" switching, addition, removal or substitution of feature sets inherent to created networks, sub-networks or individual websites without the loss of pre-existing data or settings unrelated to the components being manipulated. Web Design Automation products also support infinate graphical customization through the use of properly formatted HTML/CSS compliant templates as well as provide support through SDK's for Third Party Widget development.

WDA (Web Design Automation) -VS- CMS (Content Management Systems)

WDA compliant products are different from Content Management Systems in that they are coded by a single provider and can not be composed or "built up" using modules from more than one code provider. Additionally, WDA products must also provide Web Hosting Services for ANY website they create (negating the need for a third party hosting provider). Lastly, WDA products must be able to function without ANY administration beyond the initial setup of any kind until a user desires to make a functional change or feature adjustment. In general, CMS products typically allow the build up of functionality through the addition of Third-Party modules that can be individually purchased and added after the CMS product is installed. Furthermore, few CMS products allow the creation of stand alone websites instead opting for individual profiles that together make up a connected social network. Social Networks created with WDA products are comprised of individual websites that in turn have individual members with individual profiles. WDA generated websites do share common functionality traits with CMS profiles like the ability to communicate from one website to another, the ability to invite and communicate with individual members and user management.

Requirements for WDA products

To qualify as a Web Design Automation product several very specific attributes must be applicable. The major requirements are as follows:

1. A WDA product must be re-distributable via download or storage media such as CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-Ray Disc or USB Stick.
2. A WDA product must have a single installation executable or script that is capable of completing ALL installation task with the ONLY user intervention being the creation and input of database and administrative usernames and passwords.
3. A WDA product must allow itself to be uninstalled by a single process that does not require ANY input from a user beyond the selection to un-install it.
4. A WDA product must not require any additional Third-Party modules that DO NOT SHIP with the product or are not automatically downloaded and installed during setup.
5. A WDA product must allow its user to select additional functionality without requiring ANY technical administration beyond simple radio checkboxes or typical wizard style interface questionnaires.
6. A WDA product must make available a typical SDK for the development of Third Party Widgets.
7. A WDA product must make available a typical Template adjustment kit which allows the import of ANY properly formated HTML/CSS compliant graphical template.
8. A WDA product can not import and make a part of its subsystems any Third Party Widget and must treat them as standalone objects that are made available to users for use on WDA generated websites.

Typical features of WDA products

Typical features available to users of Website Design Automation products and similarly enabled Web Services are:

  • On the fly graphical template interchangeability
  • Customizable forms with data aggregation
  • Multimedia albums and slideshows
  • Automatic BLOG creation
  • Rating and comment collection
  • Automatic user notifications
  • Conversation tracking
  • Public network wide announcement boards
  • Classified postings with data aggregation
  • User management for Social Networks
  • Support for Paypal.com or similar scripting.
  • Social Network Creation
  • Website sub-networks
  • Website member Profiles
  • Website owner Profiles status indication
  • Automatic notifications
  • Invitation Engine with repository
  • Public/Private publication capability
  • Multi-lingual localization
  • Multi-Language spell checking,
  • Drag N Drop editing
  • WYSIWYG editing,
  • Sub-Network user management
  • Widgets support
  • RSS publishing
  • Member subscriptions
  • Social network creation and administration
  • E-mail and other forms of messaging
  • Search Engine Optimization tools
  • Text, audio and video CHAT services

The WDA Industry

The WDA industry grew out of the need for the non-technophile or resource limited consumer to create custom Websites without the involvement of the previously required Information Technology, Webmaster, Network Administrator, Graphic Designer, Search Engine Optimization or Programming professionals needed to do so in the past. Also of concern was the time and cost associated with website design, deployment and hosting. The WDA industry arose through the attempts of several pioneering software and technology firms to automate the process and provide solutions to the lower end of the market space and the home based user. Websites that require certain types of animation or integration with certain types of data streams still require highly skilled professional services to construct and are like to remain this way indefinitely.

Factors leading to the development of WDA

Variations in both quality and performance across the Webmaster and Web Design services arena have long plagued consumers as they do in any industry that lacks a governing certification body and does not require standardized testing, before granting credentials for practice. In the late 1990's this led to a rapid dilution of the Webmaster trade as more and more off the shelf web design solutions became available with WYSIWYG editors. Hosting companies also proliferated during this time and thus led to the widespread availability of low cost URL's and hosting services. Finally, connected industries like Graphical Design and Programming began to experience the dilution aspect as the price for such services were also driven down as a result of similar circumstances to those that eroded the Web-mastery trade's value.

How WDA helps restore value to these previously diluted industries and related trades?

The WDA industry by allowing anyone to create relatively powerful custom social networks and websites takes away the general public's need to have as many novice and journeyman service providers. Since very complicated customized networks and websites will still need professional services, only those industry professionals with sufficient skill to provide those complex services will be able to do so and so the value of those associated trades will rise potentially to their pre-dilution levels. Skilled professionals are by nature in short supply in every industry historically, so raising the competence level required to deliver services guarantees that the price for such services will rise as well as the consumer confidence level as those skilled enough to provide service will do so unchallenged in their respective market spaces.

WDA Today and for the future

Today there are numerous technology firm that provide at least partially WDA compliant products and services. Technology leaders in the industry are focused on providing increased functionality and simplification with each release of WDA compliant and partially compliant products. Eventually as products become more and more universal and use becomes more widespread, it can be predicted that WDA products will replace most if not all of the different products currently available for use in web design.