A Guide for Organizations Building Custom Websites
Whether you need to showcase your work, sell products, or share your organization's message effectively, you'll likely find yourself commissioning a custom website. Understanding how modern websites are built through component libraries can help you make better decisions about your investment. Let's talk about component libraries and some interesting developments that could save you money while giving you more flexibility.
What is a Component Library?
Think of your website as a complete system powered by a component library - a collection of sophisticated components designed to work together perfectly. A library might include:
Distinctive homepage sections that capture attention
Smart navigation systems that guide visitors
Content layouts that tell your story effectively
Interactive features that engage your audience
Forms that convert visitors into customers
Data displays that make your information clear and accessible
These aren't simple templates or basic widgets. They're sophisticated components that form a complete design system for your site.
A New Approach to Website Design
Here's something interesting about modern web development: we can now build component libraries that contain multiple complete designs. Let me explain why this matters.
Traditionally, when working with a designer, you might see several concepts for your homepage banner:
A minimalist version with bold typography
A version featuring large, striking imagery
Perhaps one with video background
Maybe a split-screen layout
Usually, you'd pick one design and the others would be discarded. If you wanted to try a different design later, you'd need to hire developers again.
But what if your chosen library's components included all these designs, ready to use whenever you want? That's what's possible now. You're not just getting one design - you're getting the flexibility to change your website's look dramatically without rebuilding it, all while maintaining perfect consistency through a component library.
Real-World Example: Hero Section Designs
Take this real example of a hero section designed for a logistics company. The designer created four distinct layouts for the same content: "Logistics You Can Count On, Start to Finish." Each design takes a different visual approach while maintaining the core message and calls-to-action. In traditional development, only one design would be implemented, and the others would be discarded.
With Uniweb's multi-design library components, all four of these layouts could be implemented in a single component within a library. You could then:
Test different designs with real users
Switch layouts seasonally
Use different designs for different market segments
Experiment with engagement ratesAll while maintaining consistency through a library's design system.
What This Means for You
Let's look at some real-world scenarios:
Seasonal Campaigns Instead of rebuilding your homepage for the holiday season, simply switch to a festive design variation built into a library's components. After the holidays, switch back just as easily.
Testing What Works Want to see if a video background gets better results than a static image? Your chosen library's components may let you test different designs without additional development work. Use data to make decisions, not guesses.
The Question of Ownership
When commissioning a custom library, you'll need to decide between:
Licensed Usage You get perpetual rights to use the library, but don't own the code. It's like buying a car - you can drive it anywhere, but you can't modify the engine. This option:
Costs less upfront
Includes professional maintenance
Lets you benefit from ongoing improvements
Keeps things simple
Full Source Code Ownership You own everything, including the library's code. It's like buying the car factory - you can make any changes you want, but you'll need to handle maintenance yourself. This option:
Gives you complete control
Lets you modify anything
Requires technical expertise
Costs significantly more
Most organizations do better with licensed usage, especially with modern multi-design libraries. You get the flexibility you need without the responsibility of maintaining code.
Making Smart Decisions
When talking with web developers:
Ask About Library Design "How comprehensive is your component library? How do its components work together? How easy is it to switch between designs?"
Think About Future Needs "What if we want to run special campaigns? Test different approaches? Adapt for different markets?"
Discuss Practical Matters "How do we maintain brand consistency? What's involved in switching designs?"
Cost Considerations
While building multiple designs into a custom library's components costs more initially, it often saves money in the long run:
You're not paying for complete redesigns
You can test and optimize without additional development
Your website can evolve within a library's framework
Your initial design investment goes further
The Bottom Line
Modern library-based development gives you more options than ever before. You don't have to choose between flexibility and cost-effectiveness. With multi-design component libraries, you can have both - the ability to change your website's look and feel significantly while maintaining perfect consistency through a library.
When commissioning your website, consider this approach. It might cost a bit more upfront, but the flexibility and consistency it offers could be invaluable as your organization grows and evolves.