The Changing Face of Web Design

Web design undergoes frequent changes as technology continues to provide new avenues of access. It’s essential that websites be in accord with the latest advancements in order to be competitive and maintain high rankings. Mobility is on the “move,” and rushing along with it are web design formats geared for the smartphone multitasking user. Major changes are occurring in the area of web design, and businesses wanting to be on the cutting edge need to consider all methods of internet access and make necessary design changes to accommodate this technology.

Design and Style

The mobility of the web is a prime influence in the transformation of web design’s new face. An abundance of web sites have taken on the appearance of applications. Large graphic buttons, streamlined design, and context menus create attractive, user-friendly websites.

Grid Systems - Traditional web design layouts are fading away as new bold grid systems are appearing. With so many different screen sizes and resolutions, it’s a tremendous plus to have a grid system that can adapt to whatever resolution is needed by the viewer. Standard banners and left-side navigation menus will soon be a thing of the past.

Splash Pages – Everyone remembers splash pages. They were slow loading and a big “no no.” Concerns over image sizes are fading fast, as high speed internet connections and fast loading image options invite designers to use huge graphic and photographic images for backgrounds. This allows for great diversity in design functions.

Grunge – Grunge has gained considerable popularity with music, art, photography and graphic design sites. Grunge is an “anything goes” format with splotches, dark colors, ink drips and an overall soiled look. That may sound bad, but most grunge sites look great. As with all sites, grunge designs are styled for the distinct audience they attract.

Typography – Web designers, traditionally afraid of using designer fonts, are breaking with that tradition and using larger, bolder fonts in graphic headlines and eye-catching graphic displays.  This year, and in future years, watch for typography to become a major design element.

Business Card Styles – These are single page websites, low-budget, compact, and affordable. This type of site is perfect for the small part time home business.  All the needed business information is placed on a graphic background with a photo or two.

Minimalism – Simplicity will still be in style with small splashes of color. Lots of white space will allow the important features and goals to stand out in the limelight. Minimalist styled websites provide the viewer the comfort of reading a good book. They always seem to hold their audience.

Magazine and Newspaper Layouts – The popularity of these styles is growing. People are drawn to formats that are filled with familiarity.  Just like an old shirt or a comfy robe, these formats are relaxing and provide the reader a comfortable fit.

Soft and Romantic – Yes, romance has found its way into the web design world. Soft graphics, muted tones, and pastel colors are used effectively in web site design for various therapy modalities, such as massage, aroma therapy, hypnosis, women’s health, and similar sites.

Door Wide Open – You might be the one who introduces a new and dynamic web design style this year.  The door is wide open and the sky is the limit. Remember to keep your site user friendly and easy on the eyes while putting your imagination to use.

There are certain things that should not change in the realm of web design. Remember the following rules when designing your site.

• Use CSS instead of tables.
• Build fast loading pages.
• Include plenty of white space.
• Keep your coding clean.
• Provide valuable content.
• Create easy navigation.
• Avoid music, animation, and neon or scrolling text.

When building a new site, or redesigning an old site, take advantage of new technology, current design techniques, and your inner creativity. Draw your visitors in with something new and bold. Web design is always changing, and being on the cutting edge of design is crucial to success, and maintaining a competitive edge.