Helene Highlights Need for Plain Text Websites

During Helene, a developer experienced significant difficulties accessing information-heavy websites due to poor mobile connectivity. This experience underscored a critical issue in modern web design: the reliance on heavy, complex pages that fail on slow networks. The author found that plain text websites were the only reliable source of information during the emergency.

The core argument centers on web performance and resilience. When infrastructure is compromised, users need access to simple, lightweight information. The article suggests that current web development practices often prioritize aesthetics over functionality, creating barriers for users in critical situations. This is particularly relevant for mobile devices, which are often the primary internet access point during emergencies.

When Helene struck, the author faced a critical problem: accessing vital information through a mobile connection. Standard news websites and official resources were often inaccessible due to their heavy design. These sites required significant bandwidth to load images, scripts, and other complex elements, which was unavailable during the emergency.

This situation is not unique. During natural disasters, network congestion and infrastructure damage severely limit bandwidth. Users attempting to access updates on mobile devices find themselves unable to load pages or retrieve data. The reliance on high-speed internet for basic information creates a dangerous point of failure.

The experience highlighted a fundamental flaw in the modern web. The assumption of constant, high-speed connectivity excludes users in rural areas or those facing network outages. For many, the internet is synonymous with a smartphone on a cellular network, which is often unreliable during crises.

In contrast to complex web applications, plain text websites proved to be resilient. These sites consist primarily of text with minimal styling or scripting. They load almost instantly, even on the slowest connections, and require very little data. This makes them ideal for delivering critical information during emergencies.

The author argues that simplicity is a feature, not a limitation. A plain text site can convey essential updates, contact information, and safety instructions without the overhead of modern web frameworks. This approach ensures that information remains accessible regardless of network conditions.

Benefits of plain text websites include:

• Extremely fast load times
• Minimal data usage
• High compatibility with older devices
• Reliability on unstable networks

The incident with Helene serves as a broader critique of mobile web performance. Developers often build websites on powerful desktop computers with high-speed internet, failing to account for the reality of mobile networks. This results in pages that are bloated and inefficient.

Heavy websites have real-world consequences. They drain battery life, consume expensive data plans, and exclude users with limited connectivity. In emergency situations, these performance issues become critical barriers to information access.

Improving mobile web performance requires a shift in priorities. Developers must focus on:

1. Optimizing images and media
2. Reducing JavaScript bundles
3. Implementing efficient caching strategies
4. Prioritizing content over decorative elements

By adopting these practices, the web can become more inclusive and reliable for everyone.

The experience during Helene is a powerful reminder that the web must serve all users, including those in challenging circumstances. Relying on complex, high-bandwidth websites excludes a significant portion of the population, particularly during emergencies when information is most critical.

The solution lies in embracing resilient design. This means building websites that are lightweight, efficient, and functional under adverse conditions. It involves a return to the web's roots, where content and accessibility take precedence over heavy design and functionality.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that vital information is always available. By prioritizing performance and simplicity, developers can create a more robust and equitable web for everyone, regardless of their connection speed or location.