First, I feel that it is important to understand how fast paced designing for technology has developed. Within the span of a few decades, design has evolved frequently in production from many different aspects of technology. This is all to explain that when the foundation of web design had begun, there was less of an idea for the accommodation of the public.
This is because of a number of ideas, such as the limitations and knowledge of design early on, and the need for user experience in general. Most users who had this technology at the time were able to navigate through the design because they were knowledgeable in doing so. However when production for such technology became more public, the user experience simply lacked. This design consisted of less images and less of an oblige to the users.
I believe the shift is recognized when designers realize the importance of being more productive towards the common user. This transition is realizing the more traction within a website or application will come from how friendly the user experience is and eventually retain a following of returning users. More cohesive and innovative designs have become very important when forming a website or application. In today’s ecosystem, if there is little to no thought about the user experience, then that design has a less expectations to thrive.