| 25/04/2007
A recent article Web 2.0 how to design style guide illustrated some very good examples of design elements that form Web 2.0 design trends. The following article discusses the of elements and examples of their application within Wiliam’s client projects.
It is important to note when creating Web 2.0 web designs that it requires a unique balance of elements and features in order to create a successful design. Simply putting all the discussed elements that make up a Web 2.0 web design together doesn’t necessarily create a successful website.
Clean and Clutter free
One of the key things you would notice with Web 2.0 web designs are its simplicity, clean look and feel.
The purpose of a Web 2.0 web design is to guide the user through the website in a straight forward and intuitive manner.
To achieve a Web 2.0 web design that is clean and clutter free requires designers to think about their designs and only include the necessary elements relevant to the user.
Examples of simple, clean and clutter free designs:
Wiliam Web Design
Clarence St Cyclery
Audio Connection
Layout
To achieve an elegant, clean and clutter free web design that reflects a Web 2.0 website requires consideration for the layout of the website.
Trends has shown that Web 2.0 web designs are straight forward and relevant. So how does the layout achieve this? Most Web 2.0 designs are centrally aligned meaning it appears in the centre and takes full advantage of the width of the screen.
The number of columns within a website should be kept to a minimal. Within the design industry 3 columns is industry maximum. The reason is Web 2.0 web design is all about simplicity, clean and elegance. The less columns the easier it is to direct the users attention to the relevant information.
Examples of Web 2.0 layouts:
Action Paintball
CFO Ambition
Smart Wired House
Navigation
Web 2.0 web designs are all about usability, and navigation is closely link to usability. Another article written earlier on this year 3 click rule suggest that in order to create highly usable designs, users shouldn’t have to make more than 3 clicks to reach their desired destination.
Therefore it is importing when creating web designs to ensure that your global navigation is always easily accessible and the user is always aware of their position within their website.
Examples of highly effective navigation:
Clarence St Cyclery
Globus
GetUp!
Rich Surfaces, Reflections and Bold Logos
Rich surfaces are subtle 3D effects in certain elements of a website. It is appealing to the users because it makes visual objects feel more real and finished.
As with all design elements it is important to use such effects sparingly and avoid overdoing your design with too many 3D effects which confuses the eye.
The trends of reflections could possibly have spawn from Apple designs. Reflections provides a professional, innovative and cutting edge finish to designs and are quite commonly used in Web 2.0 designs.
Last but not least a strong, bold and effective logo defines a Web 2.0 website. It clarifies to users who they are, what they do and why they are different. Just like any logo a Web 2.0 logo should be distinctive and easily recognizable.
Examples:
Action Paintball
Stiletto
Web 2.0 websites are effective at attracting users and encouraging interaction. We have only briefly discussed the 4 key design elements and it must be noted that further more features combine to create a successful web design.
tags:
Web Design
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Online Trends
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Melbourne Web Design
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Melbourne
Interested in learning more?
Wiliam is a leading supplier of web solutions and can provide expert advice to assist your business or organisation online.
