Why Web Almanac 2025 Matters for North East India
The Web Almanac, an annual report on the state of the web, has recently been published. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the trends and developments shaping the digital landscape. For residents of North East India, understanding these trends is crucial as the region continues to evolve in the digital age.
Key Findings and Implications
Variable Fonts and Image Usage
One of the most striking findings is the increasing popularity of variable fonts. Nearly 4 in 10 websites (39.4% on desktop and 41.3% on mobile) now use these versatile fonts. This trend has significant implications for web designers in North East India, as it opens up new possibilities for creating visually appealing and responsive websites.
Another key area is image usage. Around 44% of sites either leave the alt attribute empty or do not provide one at all. This raises concerns about accessibility, as screen readers rely on these descriptions to help visually impaired users understand the content of images. As digital creators in North East India, it's essential to ensure our websites are inclusive and accessible to all users.
Performance and Bloat
The report also highlights the issue of bloat, with the median mobile home page increasing from 845 KB in 2015 to 2,362 KB in 2025. This 202.8% increase underscores the need for web developers to be mindful of page weight, especially in regions with limited internet connectivity, such as parts of North East India.
JavaScript, while essential for many web functionalities, was found to contribute significantly to page weight, accounting for 697 KB. Reducing JavaScript usage can help improve page load times, a crucial factor in maintaining user engagement.
Accessibility and UX
The report also sheds light on accessibility issues, with only 30% of sites meeting WCAG guidelines for color contrast. This is a concerning statistic, especially for North East India, where diverse ethnic groups may have unique visual needs. Ensuring color contrast is appropriate for all users is a step towards creating more inclusive digital experiences.
Another accessibility concern is the removal of focus styles, which makes it difficult for keyboard users to navigate websites. A staggering 67% of sites remove focus outlines, a practice that contradicts WCAG guidelines. Implementing proper focus styles is essential for ensuring keyboard operability and improving the overall user experience.
CMS Landscape and ARIA Labels
The CMS landscape remains dominated by WordPress, with its expansion fluctuating by a few percentage points each year. This suggests a shift from expansion to stabilization, which could have implications for the broader Indian context, as well.
The report also found that ARIA labels are widely used, with 70% usage on buttons. While this may seem positive, the proper usage of these labels is crucial to ensure they enhance, rather than hinder, accessibility.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the findings of the Web Almanac 2025, it's clear that there is much room for improvement in various aspects of web development. For North East India, this report serves as a call to action, encouraging web creators to prioritize accessibility, performance, and user experience in their digital projects. By doing so, we can contribute to a more inclusive and efficient digital landscape, not just for North East India, but for the entire country and beyond.