So you hear the term “Web 2.0″ being thrown about everywhere, but what exactly does Web 2.0 stand for, anyway?
Well, I’m here to sum it up for you. Rather than iterate a specific feature or technology, Web 2.0 is more or less a term for particular trends currently seen amongst the Web. While the Web used to primarily be a source for obtaining and receiving information, the Web is now a place for collaborative information sharing, facilitated through Blogs, Social Networking sites (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Friendster, LinkedIn, etc.), Video Sharing (You Tube) and Wikis (Wikipedia). Along with these online tools for user collaboration, come specific stylistic patterns, characteristic of most Web 2.0 sites. So, what exactly are these distinctive styles that make these sites “oh so Web 2.0′ish?” Here are some common styles, just to name a few…
Simplicity -
As the great da Vinci once proclaimed: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” And yes, his philosophy is ever-present in today’s hottest designs. Out with cluttered websites filled with absolute nonsense, in with Web 2.0 designs, which reflect clean, airy, simplistic designs, with lots of white space. No need to distract users with lots of fancy extras, simplicity allows the content to be the main focus and allows the content room to breathe. Say ah….
100% Width Banners -
Yep, this one is pretty typical of most Web 2.0 sites. Rather than have the background strictly to the center, left or right of the page, banners are now generally tiled horizontally across the page, with the content centered. Previously it was common to have websites aligned to the left of the screen, but the new central layout with full width banners omits that whole “boxy feel” that many sites used to portray.
Multi-Column Layout -
Or, more commonly known as 3 Step Navigation. 1, 2, 3 Go!! The multi-column layout is a common trend on home pages, where there are three columns below the main header listing navigational options. Occasionally, these three items can be listed in a sequential order, but quite often, they do not. What are the three main activities the user would typically use the site for? To buy something, submit something, or perhaps simply to obtain information? Whatever the three things are, those are most likely the three main home page navigational links, hence the 3 step navigation.
Separate Top Section –
This is definitely one of the most common Web 2.0 trends – having a clearly defined header. This area should be distinct from the rest of the page, with a bold logo (branding) and navigation area. Generally these prominent top section/header areas of the site are distinguised by their bright or bold colors, which differentiates this area from the main content area, which is typically a neutral or contrasting color.
Big Bold Logos and Large Text -
Yes, bigger is better! Well, at least with logos and text here… But beware….there IS such thing as a logo being too big! On most current sites, font is at least 12px or greater, with significant line height. Not only does the enlarged text allow the site to “breathe” more and look more aesthetically pleasing and balanced, but it is also better for usability purposes and accessibility. The larger text is better for people that may have visual impairments, and also people that are guilty of sitting too close to their computers (myself included) squinting at the monitor! The same goes with bolder logos, where the company’s name is the main focus, and the image is simple, bold and distinct.
Distinct Call to Action –
The call to action is the company’s main message, which generally is displayed in the header. Sites that clearly embrace Web 2.0 styles, typically have a strong call to action message stating what you can do on that site. For example, a Real Estate Company’s website may say “Own the Home of Your Dreams,” whereas a Blogging site may say “Sign Up for Free.” These distinct messages are to initially attract the user, and to clearly define the purpose of the site.
Rich Surfaces –
“But it’s so shiny and pretty…I must have it!” So what exactly are these rich surfaces that Web 2.0 sites embrace? Surfaces such as gradients, shiny glossy objects, 3-D objects, drop-shadows, reflections (such as the shiny table effect), etc., are used on objects, backgrounds and buttons, along with clean content areas give the site that extra pizazz. Rich surfaces can make the site appear similar to objects displayed in real life, which helps add to the aesthetic appeal.
Large, Cutesy Icons –
Icons are a very common feature of many Web 2.0 designs; however, these can easily be overused. Icons should not be too metaphorical and should always have a commonly known meaning, such as a phone for “contact” or a printer for “print.” Proper use of icons can enhance the site’s visual appeal, and also make the site much more usable.
Star Flashes and Vector Badges –
Ever seen those cheesy markdown stickers on items at the store? “Only $99!” Yep, these flashes and badges stem from a similar concept and are typically used to draw attention to a particular call to action on a site, such as “free,” “order now” or “call today!” These glossy babies are used to alert the user that something is of significant importance. As with the icons, these should be used sparingly, and only used on something of true significance.
Well, these are only a few characteristics of Web 2.0-styled sites in a nutshell. Sure, there are millions of other style patterns out there, but “these are a few of my favorite things….”
I recently stumbled upon an excellent article on Digital Web Magazine, discussing How Environments, Real And Virtual, Influence Us. I have always been an advocate for good, clean, simplistic design, both on the web and in my home life as well.
Yes folks, I hate clutter. Not only does it not serve any relevant purpose whatsoever, it makes things messy, takes away from valuable time and impedes organization. At home, I want to be able to find what I need in a reasonable amount of time and everything should have its own dedicated place within each room. The same concept applies to web design. A user should be able to easily find what they need online and every page should be properly organized to facilitate that.
In essence,
a cluttered website = a frustrated and unhappy user.
Needless to say, I was ecstatic to see such a creative and precise metaphor for simplistic design. The author did a fantastic job of illustrating the similarities of keeping a tidy home, to creating and maintaining a good, clean website.
And the picture was priceless…. Ah…serenity!
Anybody else interested in the “War Against Clutter?” Check out the article in its entirety, along with all the other amazing articles Digital Web Magazine has to offer. Together, we can combat messy sites.
Music can be very powerful. It can make you move, provide those wonderful nostalgic moments, intensify your workout, enhance your mood, inspire you in countless ways and there has even been speculation that music can provide a sort of “healing therapy.”
Ah…but what else can music do? Help you tap into your creativity.
Isn’t it amazing how cranking up that one particular tune can just make the work day so much better? For me, music is inspirational, puts me into that creative zone and increases productivity. My taste in music is comprised of an eclectic assortment of genres — I like just about anything.
What I’m Diggin’ Now…
Kaskade: Strobelite Seduction - I absolutely love this album; it’s truly one you can play from start to finish without skipping around. With his hypnotic house beats and the seductively smooth vocals, this album keeps me going all day long. *And yes, dancing all the while!*
Cut Copy: In Ghost Colors – Fantastic album for us 80’s junkies. Encompasses the whole “new-wave, 80’s electro” vibe we all crave so much. Somewhat like Depeche Mode, Morrissey/The Smiths all fused together with an absolutely fabulous electro twist.
Yoav: Charmed and Strange – Gotta love that indie! Great album with upbeat catchy tunes. Sort of like Jack Johnson meets Damien Rice, with a little pop/rock flavor thrown in the mix.
Thievery Corporation: The Mirror Conspiracy - Feeling ambient? Then this album’s for you. Excellent downbeat chill album with smooth beats.
New Young Pony Club: Fantastic Playroom - Yet another great blend of electro-pop with new wave flair.
Zero 7: iTunes Essentials – Oh yes, an entire album with all the best Zero 7 has to offer. Yet again, a wonderfully chill, downtempo album that even contains Sia’s enchanting song “Breathe me.”
Being a full-fledged Mac junkie, the June launch of Apple’s new iPhone absolutely intrigued me. A new handy dandy little gadget that I can get my hands on, and the hype seems to be ubiquitous. Not only a cell phone, but this multifaceted device provides internet access and your iPod tunes as well. Essentially, all your electronic needs can be met with this single fun contraption.
Apple hopes that this new device will revolutionize the phone market, just as the iPod did for mp3 players; so it appears that people are already buying into Apple’s plans by camping out awaiting to be one of the first to behold the new iPhone. And we as consumers just eat it up. As an American culture, we are never fully satisfied with the way things are — we all want our electronic toys to become smaller and even more compact than they already are, and with that we want to incessantly cram as many cool functions and features as physically possible. Yes, I am one of those guilty souls as well, but is the new iPhone craze becoming nothing more than a mindless popularity contest where the iPhone becomes a conversation piece? Are you the cool kid on the block if you are seen strutting along with your new iPhone?
Despite all this, I am still highly fascinated with the new gadget and am seriously contemplating the purchase; however, I am proceeding with caution until the craze has died. Why you ask? Here’s why…
Pros-
VERY cool multimedia gadget!!!
Great for business purposes, my e-mails go where I go.
I can bring my music too? How cool is that?? All I need in one little device.
Cons-
Only service provider is AT&T — do I really want to switch carriers? What a pain…
The touchscreen seems cool on the surface, but will it have the same problems as the Chocolate did? Will all iPhone users mistakenly be calling the first person on their contact list due to a highly sensitive screen??
Price, price, price. $500-$600 is a pretty hefty chunk of change to drop on a phone, considering most cell phones are typically under $200. Although, most phones don’t have all the neat features that the iPhone has…
First generation gadget. Who know what problems might arise that will be improved and fixed by the second time the phone is released, just as with similar first generation gadgets.
Well, so there you have it. Sure, I drool at the sight and thought of owning this marvelous new toy, but I definitely approach with hesitation. Who knows, perhaps the emergence of the iPhone will mimic the VHS vs. Betamax war of the 80’s. Or I, will become the cool kid on the block….
So, after several months of designing, redesigning, playing with code, browser testing and an all around busy schedule….my site is finally up! As of today, California WebFX has finally launched! Well, “re-launched” that is… After a few months of the old version of California WebFX, I felt that the site was in dire need of a reconstructive facelift, so here it is and please enjoy! Take a look around, check it out and I always welcome feedback!
My name is Crystal Helman and I am a Web Designer based in San Diego. This blog serves as a place for design discussions, techy rants (yes, I love techy rants), my own personal ramblings and all and all randomness.
