Web Trends: 2008

Posted on August 7th, 2008. Written by Arron.

Web trends are ever-changing. The web has seen various trends and recognisable changes in the general design and layout of web pages, for the past decade. I’d like to highlight a few.

Firstly – glossy is gone. Finally, that ‘Web 2.0 gloss-everywhere’ look, is fading out.
Also out? – Glossy gradients.

Hot Now?
Pencil sketches, handwritten notes, card stocks, watercolor effects, collage art, script fonts, grunge and splatter ink.

1. Splattered Ink

A number of sites are incorporating this into their design, and when done right, the results are pretty darn impressive …

Tip: If your going to adopt ‘the splatter look’, be moderate in your approach. If huge areas are focused on splats, counter-balance it by the use of lightly water-coloured back-drops or just plain white. I’ve found the most effective layout to be the use of a busy background, with a plain white stripe used for content. You can still have some focus on your background by all means, but the content should be your main focal-point. Your content sells your site to others.

2. Big Fonts

Big fonts are in, big time. Extenuate what you want to say, and make it stand out.
The world wants to know.

3. Retro

Retro has to be done right. There’s no point in half-attempting it as it will probably look horrible. The use of light shading, air brushing text and font choice will all help you achieve a ‘retro’ look!

4. Handwritten, Notes, Paperclips – (Stationary)

This trend has exploded in the last 6 months. Particularly popular is the clipping of a sticky note to the side of your template, add a paperclip into the mix, and well, your flying.

5. Watercolour

Very effective in some circumstances, in others, not so much. Usually effective when applied to corners.

These are just some of the design trends currently in. Month by month, the trends are growing into ever-more unique and bold styles. Make your site stick out from the crowd. Stay up with the ‘in’ aspects of design on the web. Ensure your content is interesting to the audience you are trying to target. Be you.

Via: Web Designer Wall

R-Fly

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