» Leased lines changing web design

Study finds leased lines are changing web design techniques

High-speed internet connections, such as leased lines, are altering methods of website design, according to a new study.

Research from a broadband comparison company found online developers were altering the format and layout of sites due to the increasing speed of internet access.

The investigation found designers were increasing their efforts to provide graphics and media, such as videos, on websites in order to take advantage of faster consumer internet connections.

One leading industry commentator said that the move was in response to the technological advances in data connections, such as an increase in leased line subscriptions. He said:

"Sites must drive action, and provide journeys that will accommodate for explorers.

"It takes just one second for website visitors to make a decision about a site: ‘do I stay or do I go?' As such, it’s vital that in the first second of a site opening, users see everything they need to keep them engaged and exploring the site."

Leased lines subscriptions driving website changes

The study focused on the various types of connection, such as leased lines and bonded ADSL, to discover the implications of high-speed online access website designers and developers. The results concluded that consumers were willing to spend a limited period of time searching one particular site before continuing their search elsewhere.

"Higher speeds means that most consumers will expect to see something along the lines of what they are looking for straight away when they get onto a website, and if they don’t see what they want right away they are inclined to move on," one industry blog speculated.