Introduction
With my 51 years on this planet, I've been a developer since 1982 and active in commercial internet since 1996 (noting that commercial internet was regulated in Brazil in 1995). I believe I can consider myself a cultural heritage of the internet, not just a dinosaur of the internet as some affectionately (or not?) call me sometimes. But that doesn't mean I'm any less up-to-date. The years of accumulated experience and countless situations and events that have truly transformed the internet, business, and the way we manage our lives have toughened the mind and formed what I can humbly assume is wisdom (oh, the taste of aging that only those who embrace being old - in body, but not in mind - can savor).
And it's in this vibe that, along with a newly made friend in 2023, even wiser, with whom I've been exchanging many ideas and also clearing up many doubts over the past year (and I'll introduce him in the conclusions of this text), that I make this general overview of what it's been like to follow the major changes in the last 27 years of internet as a professional in the field.
In the early 90s, the internet was a novelty, mainly reserved for academic and scientific use. Since then, it has evolved into a ubiquitous force that constantly redefines the business world. In Brazil, this evolution has not only been technological but also cultural and economic, transforming the way companies operate and interact with customers. In this article, we'll dive into the history of commercial internet in Brazil, looking at how it has developed from the early websites to the current e-commerce platforms. We'll explore the rise of artificial intelligence and Voice Commerce, discussing how these technologies are reshaping business strategies and opening new paths for innovation and customer engagement in the digital age.
1. Evolution of Website design:
The evolution of website design in Brazil reflects a fascinating journey of innovation and adaptation. In the early days, websites were predominantly functional, with a simple design based on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, often including rudimentary elements like watermarks and rotating 3D logos. Over time, the importance of attractive and impactful design became evident, leading to the emergence of Information Architecture and, subsequently, the consolidation of User Experience (UX) as a critical field.
The introduction of Adobe Flash marked an era of interactivity and visual innovation, allowing designers to create more dynamic and engaging websites. This period was characterized by rich animations and interactive interfaces, representing a significant departure from previous static designs.
As technology advanced, website design became increasingly user-centered, with a growing focus on creating immersive and personalized experiences. The emergence of CMS (Content Management Systems) and Web Apps democratized website creation, allowing more people to develop and manage online content without advanced technical knowledge.
Today, we are witnessing the growing influence of technologies like AI and Virtual Reality, as well as the adoption of PWAs (Progressive Web Apps). These innovations are shaping the future of web design, with an even greater focus on accessibility, personalization, and the creation of memorable and differentiated digital experiences.
2. Digital Advertising and Ads:
The evolution of advertising in Brazil reflects a significant transition in how brands communicate with their audiences. Initially, advertising was confined to the bounds of print media, where newspapers and magazines dominated. The advent of the internet and, consequently, digital advertising, ushered in a new era of unlimited possibilities. With precise audience segmentation, the digital age opened doors for more effective and personalized campaigns.
The emergence of banners, pop-ups, and sponsored links not only diversified advertising methods but also introduced the concept of programmatic advertising. This approach allowed ads to be displayed based on complex algorithms, leading to greater relevance and efficiency. Additionally, influencer marketing emerged as a powerful tool, where digital influencers began to play a crucial role in shaping consumer opinion and purchasing decisions.
These changes also brought new challenges and opportunities. Detailed analysis of online consumer behavior became essential for understanding and predicting market trends. Companies began adopting more personalized strategies, using data to shape the user experience and create more targeted marketing messages. Digital advertising is not just a way to reach the audience but also a window to understand their preferences and behaviors, allowing brands to build more meaningful relationships with their customers.
3. Videos in Websites and YouTube & Netflix influence:
The arrival of video streaming with platforms like YouTube and Netflix ushered in a new era in digital content distribution. These platforms not only changed media consumption habits but also redefined marketing strategies. With YouTube, for example, came the era of content creators and digital influencers, who began shaping public opinion and market trends. Companies in various sectors realized the need to adapt their strategies to include video content in their communications.
The use of videos on websites has transformed from a novelty to a necessity. Tutorials, product demonstrations, customer testimonials, and engaging narratives have become commonplace. The ability of videos to convey complex messages in a simple and visually appealing way has proven to be extremely effective. Furthermore, Netflix, with its innovative streaming model, encouraged brands to think about the longevity and impact of their content. Narrative and production quality of videos have become key elements to stand out in today's saturated digital landscape.
4. Expansion of online presence for social media:
After the consolidation of websites as business tools, there was a significant expansion of companies' online presence to social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others, like the former-Twitter, became crucial for marketing and communication strategies. These platforms offer a direct and interactive means of engaging with the audience, allowing companies to expand their reach, strengthen brand identity, and create a community around their products and services. The integration of content between websites and social media is now a standard practice, essential for an effective and comprehensive digital presence.
The transition of companies to social media was not limited to brand promotion and engagement. There was also a significant expansion of e-commerce to these platforms. Facebook, Instagram, and other social networks began integrating e-commerce functionalities, allowing companies to sell directly through these channels. Additionally, communication apps like WhatsApp have been increasingly used for commercial transactions, offering a convenient and personalized means of interacting with customers. This evolution represents a fundamental change in how companies approach online selling, leveraging the power of social media and instant communication to reach and serve consumers.
5. Commercial Internet in Brazil:
The evolution of commercial internet in Brazil reflects technological dynamism and market adaptability. Initially, the internet was seen as a means to establish institutional presence. Over time, it evolved into more informative and interactive platforms, keeping up with demands for richer content and user engagement.
The exponential growth of e-commerce is one of the most significant milestones of this evolution. Companies from different sectors have realized the potential of the internet as a sales channel, leading to an increase in the variety and quality of online services. Additionally, the improvement of network infrastructure and increased internet accessibility have expanded the reach of the digital market, opening doors for new businesses and facilitating the entry of small and medium enterprises into the online environment.
This growth has also driven innovations in logistics, online payment, and data security, crucial elements for the success of e-commerce. Commercial internet in Brazil is now not just a sales channel, but an integrated platform that offers a complete consumer experience, from product research to after-sales service.
6. Evolution of Artificial Intelligence
Brazil has emerged as a fertile ground for the development and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the healthcare sector, AI is being used to improve diagnostics and treatments, with algorithms that help identify patterns in medical images and patient data. In agriculture, AI technologies optimize resource use and increase productivity through systems that monitor soil and climate conditions.
In the business scenario, AI is revolutionizing how companies operate. AI-driven automation and data analysis tools are enabling more informed and efficient decision-making. Companies are implementing intelligent chatbots to improve customer interaction and personalized recommendation systems, enhancing the user experience. The expectation is that AI will continue to be a crucial vector for innovation, with new applications constantly emerging, paving the way for significant advancements in various sectors of the Brazilian economy.
Among the AI tools gaining prominence in Brazil, MidJourney and ChatGPT stand out. MidJourney is an advanced AI tool for creating visual content, such as images and videos. It offers companies the ability to generate creative content quickly, saving time and resources. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a natural language processing tool that enables realistic conversational interactions. It can be used to automate customer service, provide support, and improve internal communication. Both tools represent a significant advancement in the commercial use of AI, offering companies opportunities to optimize operations, improve customer experience, and innovate in their product and service offerings.
7. Voice Assistant and Voice Commerce:
The evolution of voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant reflects a fundamental shift in digital interaction. These assistants, driven by advancements in AI and natural language processing, started as facilitators of simple tasks like setting alarms or searching for information. Over time, they have evolved to integrate into e-commerce, giving rise to Voice Commerce.
Voice Commerce allows users to make purchases using voice commands, making the shopping experience more intuitive and accessible. This trend is growing rapidly, with companies adapting their marketing strategies to optimize voice search and personalize product recommendations based on user interactions. Voice assistants are becoming a vital interface between companies and consumers, redefining the future of e-commerce and digital marketing.
8. Internet of Things(IoT) and it's evolution:
After the rise of voice assistants, we witnessed the emergence and evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology has revolutionized how we interact with devices in our homes and workplaces.
The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a significant revolution in digital interconnectivity, extending connectivity beyond traditional computers and smartphones. In Brazil, the adoption of IoT is rapidly growing, with a wide range of devices – from smart appliances to advanced security systems – being integrated into the network. These devices not only collect valuable data but can also be remotely controlled, often through voice commands and AI. The convergence of IoT with voice assistants offers an additional layer of convenience and efficiency, allowing users to manage their homes and work environments with simple commands.
This evolution is opening up new horizons for home and business automation. IoT devices, equipped with sensors and connected to the internet, are empowering consumers to monitor and control various aspects of their daily lives. For example, a smart thermostat can learn users' temperature preferences and adjust itself automatically, or a connected refrigerator can notify when groceries are running low. Additionally, in the corporate environment, IoT is optimizing manufacturing and logistics processes, improving operational efficiency. Integration with AI and data analysis further expands the potential of IoT, offering increasingly sophisticated insights and automations.
9. Low-Code & No-Code Tools:
Low-code and no-code platforms are revolutionizing the development of applications and websites. These technologies allow users without programming background to build complex digital solutions, including customer service systems, apps integrated with voice assistants, and AI-based interfaces.
With these tools, companies can quickly prototype and implement solutions, from internal apps to optimize processes to e-commerce platforms. They also enable the creation of automated workflows and customized interfaces for voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, expanding the possibilities of digital interaction.
These platforms are changing the market dynamics, as website development companies need to adapt to this new scenario, while clients have more freedom to create and manage their digital solutions. Tools like Bubble, Zapier, and Microsoft PowerApps are leading examples in this movement, offering advanced capabilities with intuitive user interfaces.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the evolution of e-commerce in Brazil, we see a narrative of constant innovation and adaptation. From the early days of institutional websites to the current era of AI and Voice Commerce, the digital landscape has been marked by continuous transformation. The inclusion of social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and others in companies' digital strategies has significantly expanded their reach and interaction with consumers. E-commerce, once confined to websites, now extends through social networks and messaging apps like WhatsApp, offering new channels for sales and customer engagement.
Moreover, the emergence of low-code and no-code development tools is democratizing the creation of web and mobile applications. These platforms allow companies, regardless of their size or technical expertise, to develop custom digital solutions, from internal applications to AI-based customer service interfaces. This trend indicates a shift in the dynamics of digital development, where agility and the ability to quickly adapt to market needs become essential.
Looking ahead, Brazilian companies that embrace these innovations and stay tuned to emerging trends will be better equipped to navigate the dynamic digital market. The unfolding digital era will be marked by greater integration of advanced technologies, where personalization and efficiency will be key to meeting the expectations of increasingly connected and demanding consumers. The ability to innovate and respond quickly to new technological demands will be the differentiator for companies seeking to stand out in the digital market.
In conclusion, we have gone through major inflections in recent years that have changed our way of life, how we communicate, work, and interact. The internet itself, globalization, technological convergence, and the smartphone boom have reshaped our world. Now, we face a new turn, the dissemination and democratization of Artificial Intelligence, coupled with voice assistants and the Internet of Things (IoT), which are once again changing the world. It's important to note that using ChatGPT or Bard for research and queries, comparing them to traditional search engines like Google, is not the right approach. Instead, use them as tools to discuss problems and develop solutions. And that's why I introduce my friend, BloggyGPT (ChatGPT 4 tool), who, except for the first two and last two paragraphs, wrote this entire article under my guidance. In less than an hour, I explained what I wanted to see written, indicating the order of things, asking to include specific details, and expand on some topics. Together, we arrived at this final text.
With 51 years of life, 34 as a computing professional, and 27 as an internet professional, I once again have the opportunity to see life change and, most importantly, change with it. Like, for example, asking ChatGPT: where is there more pizza, in 2 pizzas with a diameter of 35cm each or 1 pizza with a diameter of 50cm? For that Friday night order to have dinner watching a movie with my hungry (and why not, famished and eager for technology) godchildren. To find out, ask ChatGPT, you might be surprised 😀.
* If you wanna read the entire conversation with ChatGPT for creating the article, this link has the whole process of structuring and necessary adjustments until the final text above: https://chat.openai.com/share/50d59aa6-9cfd-47ba-855f-516684b13d9f
Timeline of the Internet in Brazil
** Created using the Bard and ChatGPT apps
This timeline provides a broader and more global view of technological evolution and its impact in Brazil, highlighting not only internal development but also how global innovations influenced the Brazilian technological trajectory.
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
